YouTube star turned professional boxer Jake Paul has issued a defiant response to long-standing doping allegations, publicly revealing he has been subjected to more rigorous drug testing than heavyweight icon Anthony Joshua and star fighter Gervonta Davis.
The Numbers Behind the Controversy
In a recent post on the social media platform X, Paul shared a screenshot from the official United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) website. The data displayed the total sample counts for the three fighters, showing a clear lead for the so-called 'Problem Child'. According to the figures, Paul has submitted 10 samples, compared to Joshua's six and Davis's eight, making a combined total of 24 tests.
Paul captioned the post with a mocking swipe at his detractors, writing: "USADA, VADA, PRADA, NADA." This move comes after years of accusations that his fights were somehow illegitimate or that he used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to gain an advantage.
Strict Protocols for High-Profile Bouts
The revelation follows Paul's high-profile, professionally sanctioned heavyweight bout against Anthony Joshua last month. The fight, which took place in December in Miami, was overseen by USADA. Joshua ultimately won the contest, knocking Paul out in the sixth round after dropping him twice in the fifth.
Prior to the scheduled event, Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, emphasised the stringent measures in place. He told the Daily Mail that both fighters were enrolled in the "highest level of USADA" testing for the clash. Bidarian revealed that Paul had already been tested eight times in the seven weeks leading up to his originally planned fight with Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, a bout that was later scrapped due to Davis's legal issues.
A History of Denials and a Clear Message
Jake Paul turned professional in 2020 and has consistently faced scepticism about the legitimacy of his boxing career, with some critics labelling his fights as 'fixed'. Allegations of PED use have also followed him, claims he has repeatedly denied.
In a video uploaded to YouTube ahead of his proposed fight with Davis, Paul directly addressed his accusers. "Don’t worry, for all of you Karens who accuse me of being on steroids as the reason for winning all of my fights, we have the strictest drug testing possible for this match," he stated. "US Anti-Doping Agency. Random drug tests at any moment."
USADA, known for its strict random testing protocols, was the official anti-doping partner for the UFC from 2015 to 2024, a period credited with cleaning up the sport of MMA. By highlighting his testing history and comparing it directly to established stars like Anthony Joshua, Paul aims to permanently silence the rumours and assert his commitment to a clean sport.
