Jake Paul has revealed that the fear of being knocked out serves as a significant source of motivation for him, especially as he aims to position himself for a surprising world title opportunity.
The internet personality turned boxer is scheduled to compete tonight in California against former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Paul has confidently stated that a victory could secure him a ranking, potentially paving the way for a highly debated challenge for a world championship title.
However, he remains keenly aware that a single loss could bring his boxing ambitions crashing down, a thought he keeps in mind constantly.
Paul, 28, explained, “I think definitely I use a bit of like fear and what people say as motivation, inspiration. But mostly I try to focus on the love and proving myself right and challenging myself at this point.”
He added that he has already exceeded his initial expectations in the sport, seeing everything beyond this point as a bonus. Having built his “dream life,” businesses, and companies, he feels like he`s “playing with house money now.”
Paul admitted to embracing the role of boxing`s villain, a persona that has reportedly earned him over $100 million (£73m) in the ring.
He commented, “To conduct the orchestra, you must turn your back on the audience. So, I know what I`m doing, I`m just playing a game.”
“People want to tune in to see me lose or the doubters, all of this stuff. But, at the end of the day, there`s just as much love that, and that`s what I focus on.”
This fight marks Paul`s return to the ring since his November bout against Mike Tyson, aged 58 at the time, which drew 100 million viewers on Netflix.
For the fight against 39-year-old Chavez Jr, Paul dropped two stone to meet the 14st 4lb (200lb) cruiserweight limit.
Paul asserts that winning this fight could lead to the WBC and WBA ranking him, potentially setting him up for what many would consider a highly improbable title challenge.
He stated, “I think it`s back to the drawing board after this, especially depending on what the WBC and WBA rank me after I win. If they rank me in the position where I can go for a world championship, then we`re gonna try and get that done.”
Paul, who has previously called out Anthony Joshua for a fight in a British stadium, is aware that his claims about fighting for a world title will provoke many boxing fans.
He understands this is precisely why many people will pay for the pay-per-view, hoping to see him defeated in the ring.
With a grin, the former prankster turned professional fighter concluded, “Thank you for the attention and your opinions, and that`s what I`m drawing out of you. You`re my puppet and I`m the puppeteer.”
Neville Whittle 
Oliver Croft