Jake Paul hires Elon Musk’s lawyer amid ongoing boxing controversy

Jake Paul’s latest legal move marks a new round in the ongoing clash between internet stardom and the credibility of professional boxing.

The YouTuber-turned-fighter has had enough of the whispers—that his bouts are more pro wrestling spectacle than real boxing matches.

In a surprise move, Paul has brought in powerhouse attorney Alex Spiro—the same lawyer who has represented Elon Musk and Jay-Z—to go after those accusing him of scripting fights or hand-picking easy opponents.

“Mr. Paul has retained me to seek legal remedies for the damage he has suffered,” Spiro told the New York Post. “If anyone uses their public platform to spread lies that harm him or the sport, there will be consequences.”

Criticism of Paul has become a sport of its own

The warning comes at a time when taking shots at Paul has become something of a sport in itself. The latest controversy erupted after his fight against Julio César Chávez Jr., a bout in which few punches were thrown, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about his earlier unanimous-decision win over Mike Tyson.

Every time Paul steps into the ring, social media lights up—not because of his technique, but because of the suspicion that surrounds him.

Paul himself may have unintentionally stoked the fire. Speaking after the Tyson fight, he said, “I didn’t want to hurt someone who didn’t need to be hurt.” While he meant it as a sign of respect toward his opponent, many took it as an admission that he’d pulled his punches to keep the show from spiraling out of control.

From viral videos to pay-per-view main events

Paul is no stranger to the spotlight—or to controversy. Since making his pro debut in 2020, his fights have pulled in millions of pay-per-view buys and huge gate numbers, attracting a crowd that’s equal parts boxing fans and YouTube subscribers. But with the success comes a curse: almost no one in the sport takes him completely seriously.

Celebrity critics join the fight

One of his harshest critics has been British broadcaster Piers Morgan, who accused Paul of staging “fights that clearly benefit him” against out-of-shape or retired opponents. Paul responded with a legal threat. Morgan, never one to back down, doubled down: “The idea that these events don’t damage boxing’s integrity is ridiculous.”

Even Sylvester Stallone took a jab, writing that Paul’s fight looked like “one of the greatest Oscar-winning performances of all time” before deleting the comment and apologizing.

Boxing purists not convinced by Jake Paul

Paul, 28, has a professional record of 12 wins and one loss, and a marketing machine more polished than many veteran promoters. He rose to fame on Vine, blew up on YouTube, and now sells fights as global events. His opponents have included big names like Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley—all legends in their prime, but, critics say, well past it by the time Paul fought them.

Skeptics argue that he cherry-picks opponents for convenience, not competition. While his events bring in huge money, boxing purists claim he’s tarnishing a sport already plagued by shady judging and promoter infighting. In some cases, Paul’s fights have drawn more attention than world title bouts—blurring the line between legitimate boxing and parody.

Paul fights back with the law

In recent years, defamation in sports has become a growing legal battleground. NFL legend Brett Favre sued Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee for “egregiously false statements” before eventually dropping the case—setting a precedent for public figures trying to clear their names in court rather than in the press.

Now, Jake Paul is taking the same route. With Alex Spiro in his corner, he’s aiming for wins both inside and outside the ring. And if his critics aren’t careful with their words, they might be on the receiving end of the one punch Paul has never thrown before: a legal one.

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