Jake Paul says boxing 'helped me mature and really find myself'

Jake Paul spoke to Fox News Digital about his upcoming boxing match against Anderson Silva

Jake Paul took the boxing world by storm when he knocked out Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley – two legitimate fighters in the combat sports world.

But before Paul stepped into the ring, he was known for pranks and other shenanigans on YouTube and often got into some real trouble while trying to generate an audience on social media. Paul built his channel up to about 20.4 million subscribers. 

He, and his brother Logan, have gotten into a number of legal issues as they developed into superstardom and started to gain more mainstream attention. But ahead of his Oct. 29 fight against MMA legend Anderson Silva, Paul told Fox News Digital he believes he’s matured since those days and has the sport of boxing to thank.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Aug 16, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; YouTube personality and boxer Jake Paul listens to the national anthem prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres at loanDepot Park. (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)

"I think boxing really helped me mature and really find myself and helped me be disciplined. It humbled me as well," the 25-year-old said after his press conference on Monday. "At the beginning where I would get my a—kicked in the gym. I think boxing has helped me tremendously. And I’m surrounded now by a much better team, much better influences, much better friends, much better girlfriend. Just have had a crazy journey. But here we are today, and I finally feel at home and I finally feel I’m doing what I was put on earth to do."

Paul added he believed boxing changed his life for the better.

ANDY RUIZ JR. WINS BY UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER LUIS ORTIZ, OWNS