There’s no end in sight for YouTuber boxing matches, as Jake Paul is now set to take on AnEsonGib (Ali Eson Gib) in Miami on Jan. 30.
Odds for the fight haven’t been widely released yet, but Sky Bet has AnEsonGib as a 4/6 favorite over Paul (5/4) in the bout.
Both YouTubers Have Amateur Boxing Experience
The bout, which will take place on a card that also features multiple world championship fights, will serve as the co-main event for a battle between WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade and Luke Keeler.
Paul is the brother of Logan Paul, who recently fought twice against YouTuber KSI (Olajide William Olatunji). The second of those two fights was sanctioned as a six-round, professional bout, and saw KSI win by split decision. Logan Paul has appealed that decision, however, as he was hit with a rare 2-point deduction for a sequence during which he scored a knockdown, but also held KSI’s head in place and landed a blow while his opponent was on the ground.
Like that bout, the fight between Jake Paul and AnEsonGib will be fought as a professional bout. And while fans shouldn’t expect a world-class display of the sweet science, the fight won’t be a joke either.
Jake fought on the undercard of his brother’s fight, defeating KSI’s brother, Deji Olatunji, when Olatunji’s corner threw in the towel after five rounds in an amateur boxing match. AnEsonGib also has amateur boxing experience, fighting on previous undercards featuring KSI. Like KSI, Gib also trains with Viddal Riley.
Paul, Gib Trade Shots in Announcement
Paul and Gib quickly ratcheted up the trash talk once the fight was announced.
“Coming into the sport of boxing as an undefeated champion amongst my peers, it’s my duty to set the bar as high as possible for others looking to cross over into the sport,†Paul said. “This is the American dream. Thursday, Jan. 30, on DAZN, my opponent’s 15 minutes of fame turn into 10 seconds of counting stars as he lays unconscious on the canvas.â€
AnEsonGib, A UK-based YouTube star who is best known for his videos about EA’s FIFA series of video games, had words of his own for Paul.
“After six months of Jakey ducking, the fight is finally going down,†Gib said. “He had no choice of his opponent. I chose him. Since my last fight, I have been training nonstop, and Jan. 30 in Miami, I will end the fight in devastating fashion and will have my hand raised in front of his country, family and friends.â€
The 22-year-old Jake Paul is one of the most popular social media stars in the world, with more than 36 million combined followers on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Two other championship fights will also be on the card. IBF junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer will defend his title against Joseph Diaz, while junior featherweight champion Danny Roman will take on Murodjon Akhmadaliev.