YOUTUBER Jake Paul, a boxer turned YOUTUBER has been named Sports Illustrated's Breakout Fighter of the Year.
Paul won all three fights in 2021.
Paul was named Breakout Boxer-of-the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine
The 24-year-old has only fought five times since his pro debut in January 2020.
Paul said to American magazine Sports Illustrated that "to think about all the things that occurred in the fashion that they all happened, it is just kind of mind-blowing."
He was chosen by the company for the award due to his performance in the ring and being "one of the biggest attractions" outside of the ring.
Paul defeated Ben Askren, a former MMA star, in his first fight in 2021 in April.
In August, a bout was held against Tyron Woodley, an ex-champ of the UFC.
This one was much closer than the previous, with Paul winning via split decision.
However, there was only one winner in December's rematch.
Paul's brutal right-hand dropped Woodley to the floor in the sixth round. The social media star achieved a fourth KO victory after five professional fights.
He was awarded the Sports Illustrated Breakout Boxer Award for his performances.
His marketability was also an important factor in landing him the title. Sports Illustrated claims they have crowned him "not for his potential but for what he already has."
Paul has over 20 million YouTube subscribers, 18 million Instagram followers, and almost 16million TikTok users.
Although boxing purists were furious at the decision, one asked on Twitter: "Stop with this madness!"
Another raged, "But he isn't boxing." He is taking on career MMA fighters who are known for their ability to fight on the ground and make them box. It's garbage. You must fight a BOXER.
This announcement comes after Paul was named the winner of ESPN's "KO of the Year" award.
This award was given to Woodley for his brutal beating in December. It was voted by fans.
He had originally been due to meet Tommy Fury and not Woodley before the Love Islander pulled out of their grudge match because of illness or injury.
