Jake Paul posted pictures on social media of himself getting on one knee to propose while Leerdam showed off pictures of her massive ring.
“We’re engaged,” Paul said in a captioned post on Instagram. “We can’t wait to spend forever together.”
The 28-year-old Paul is a YouTuber turned boxer, whose last match was in November against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, which was streamed on Netflix. Paul, who won by unanimous decision, reportedly earned $40 million for the match.
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul, born on January 17, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American social media personality, actor, and professional boxer. He first gained fame on the now-defunct video platform Vine, where he amassed a significant following for his comedic sketches. This online popularity led to his role as Dirk Mann on the Disney Channel series “Bizaardvark,” which he starred in from 2016 to 2017.
However, Paul’s career with Disney was cut short due to controversies surrounding his off-screen behavior. After parting ways with Disney, he focused on his YouTube channel, creating a variety of content that included pranks, music videos, and daily vlogs. His channel’s popularity soared, but it also attracted criticism for featuring dangerous stunts and inappropriate content, leading to various public disputes and legal issues.
In recent years, Jake Paul transitioned into professional boxing, a move that surprised many but garnered significant attention. He has fought and defeated several opponents, including former NBA player Nate Robinson and mixed martial artists Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. His boxing career has been both lucrative and controversial, with critics questioning the legitimacy of his matches and his impact on the sport.
The Controversial and Lucrative Fight with Mike Tyson
On November 15, 2024, Jake Paul faced off against boxing legend Mike Tyson in a match that was billed as one of the most controversial in boxing history. The fight took place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas and was streamed live on Netflix, marking the platform’s first major foray into live sports broadcasting. The event reportedly attracted over 120 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched boxing matches ever.
The lead-up to the fight was filled with debates and concerns. Mike Tyson, at 58 years old, was significantly older than the 27-year-old Paul, leading to discussions about the ethics and safety of the match. During the pre-fight weigh-in, tensions escalated when Tyson slapped Paul, an incident that went viral and added to the spectacle of the event.
The fight itself lasted all eight scheduled rounds, with Jake Paul winning by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the bout 79-73, and one scored it 80-72, all in favor of Paul. Tyson started strong but visibly fatigued as the match progressed, landing only 18 out of 97 punches thrown. Paul, on the other hand, showcased better stamina and technique, though he refrained from going for a knockout, later stating he didn’t want to hurt Tyson.
The aftermath of the fight was met with mixed reactions. Many fans and critics labeled the match as “elderly abuse” and “disgusting,” expressing discomfort at seeing an aging Tyson struggle against a much younger opponent. There were also discussions about potential legal issues arising from the fight, especially considering Paul’s dual role as promoter and fighter, and Tyson’s pre-existing health concerns.
Financially, the event was a massive success. It grossed approximately $40 million, with significant revenue generated from pay-per-view purchases and streaming rights. However, the match’s nature led to debates about the direction of professional boxing, with some purists arguing that such events prioritize entertainment and profit over athletic integrity.
Jake Paul’s Love Life and Recent Engagement
Jake Paul’s personal life has been as public and eventful as his career. He has been linked to several high-profile relationships over the years. In 2019, he was involved with fellow YouTuber Tana Mongeau, and the two even held a highly publicized wedding ceremony. However, it was later revealed that the marriage was not legally binding, and the couple parted ways after a few months.
In early 2020, Paul began dating Julia Rose, a model and social media influencer. Their relationship was on and off, with multiple public breakups and reconciliations, keeping fans and tabloids busy speculating about their status.
Since 2022, Jake Paul has been in a relationship with Jutta Leerdam, a Dutch speed skater and Olympic medalist. The couple went public with their relationship in 2023 and have since shared numerous moments together on social media, showcasing a supportive and affectionate partnership.
On March 22, 2025, Jake Paul proposed to Jutta Leerdam in a romantic setting on a balcony adorned with white petals, flowers, and candles. Leerdam shared the joyous moment on social media, flaunting her new engagement ring, which features a sizable oval diamond flanked by two smaller stones. The engagement has been met with congratulations from fans and fellow athletes alike.
FAQs
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How did Jake Paul become famous?
Jake Paul first gained fame on the video platform Vine, where he posted comedic sketches. He then starred in the Disney Channel series “Bizaardvark” before focusing on his YouTube channel and, subsequently, a boxing career.
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What is Jake Paul’s boxing record?
As of March 2025, Jake Paul holds an 11-1 professional boxing record, with notable victories over former UFC fighters and, most recently, Mike Tyson.
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Why was the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson controversial?
The controversy stemmed from the significant age difference—Tyson being 58 and Paul 27—as well as concerns about the match’s legitimacy and the potential health risks to Tyson. Critics also viewed the fight as prioritizing entertainment and profit over genuine athletic competition.
