JAKE PAUL has gushed over the influence his “inspiring” speedskater girlfriend Jutta Leerdam has had on his boxing career.
The sporty super-couple went public with their relationship in April and have been almost inseparable ever since.
Paul is one of the highest-paid fighters in the world, banking £33MILLION alone in 2023.
But more than just money, the YouTuber-turned boxer wants to defy all odds and become a world champion in the ring.
And he is leaning on the advice of six-time speedskating champ Leerdam, 25, to help him do it.
Paul told SunSport: “It’s a game-changer and I can fully focus on what I want to do with the support from here.
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“She can give me mental advice and coaching, even physical performance advice and it’s just been such a game-changer.
“She inspires me to be better and I’ve told her from day one like, ‘Hey, I want to be just like you, I want to be a world champion.’
“So she holds me to that standard.”
Paul, 27, confirmed his new romance just months after suffering defeat for the first time, against Tommy Fury, 24, by split-decision in February last year.
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But for his two comeback wins, over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, and pro boxer Andre August, 35, Dutch stunner Leerdam has been in his corner.
And she will be cheering on once again when Paul makes his return to the ring on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
He faces 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 35, the most experienced opponent on his record as he looks to continue against seasoned boxing competition.
Paul said: “I think people are starting to see the story unfold and getting to know the real me behind just the trolling and being a loudmouth and having fun.
“At the end of the day, I was born to be an entertainer so that side of me is going to come out but there’s a different side to me and that’s to change this sport forever and make history and who’s a really hard worker and a very talented athlete.
“I think people really underestimated from day one how talented I am as an athlete and how hard I work and that’s starting to come out.
“And no matter what people are going to say, everyone respects hard work so I think people are really starting to see that and how serious I’m taking it fighting these guys.
“And not just doing the big money fights, I’m going to do more of those of course, I’m seriously on the path to world champion.
“And at first I think people thought I was just saying that to get clicks and stuff but they don’t know just how hard I really work.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
