JAKE PAUL has opened up on how boxing prevented him from his life spiralling out of control on drink and drugs.
The American shot to fame on social media app Vine and later YouTube along with his brother Logan.
And in pursuit of fame and fortune, both moved to Los Angeles where their life moved in the fast lane.
But it almost became too much for Paul until thankfully a shock career in boxing helped turn his life around.
He bravely told DAZN: “I was drinking, doing drugs, doing all sorts of crazy s*** in Los Angeles, not being myself.
“Because that’s what happens when you’re drinking like that and doing those things like that.
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“I needed something to save me and boxing showed up out of nowhere.
“I definitely worry – that side of me is the Problem Child side of me – that can get involved in those of things.
“But everybody has a story and I’m just now comfortable telling that story because I was kind of embarrassed by it.
“I didn’t know if I could talk about those things, I didn’t want to say that I had those problems or was doing those things.
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“But I was like, if I can share my story about that and finding boxing and saving me then maybe someone else will be able to relate.”
Paul, 26, made his professional boxing debut in 2020, beating online rival AnEsonGib.
It kickstarted a polarising prizefighting career which has seen the social media sensation headline around the world.
He even moved out of LA in late 2020 to rid of any distractions, since building an isolated base in Puerto Rico.
Paul has wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48.
But he was beaten in his last bout in February by boxer Tommy Fury, 23, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
Paul now returns on August 5 in Texas against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, in a bid to prove he can bounce back from defeat.
And having seen boxing change his life, the Most Valuable Promotions boss insisted he will be a mainstay in the sport.
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Paul said: “One hundred per cent, always. Promoting fights, helping fighters, using my platform.
“I’ve even thought about getting my referee’s licence. Wouldn’t that be funny? Wouldn’t that be funny, if I’m like in the ring, refitting a match?”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
