Jake Paul pays homage to a WWE icon with Fight Night gear ahead of Joshua clash
As Friday night’s heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua looms, Jake Paul unveiled a Fight Night ensemble that nods to a legendary figure from the wrestling world.
Since entering boxing in 2020, Paul has sparked intense debate among fans and insiders. He’s about to face the sternest test of his career so far when he takes on Joshua this Friday, a bout that many see as a career-defining moment for the 28-year-old. The reception from the boxing audience remains polarized, but there’s no denying that Paul’s presence has drawn a younger, more diverse crowd to the sport.
Some longtime boxing voices worry that the upcoming night could signal the end of Paul’s relatively brief run in the sport, arguing that the challenge posed by Joshua might be too steep.
What’s your take? 💰 😅
Paul’s payday is rumored to be around $92 million for December 19.
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments below and start the discussion
Paul honors a WWE legend with his outfit
Paul’s flamboyance and showmanship have long been a flashpoint for controversy within boxing circles, helping fuel his notoriety.
In a recent high-profile bout, his attire drew attention for its opulence—the outfit crafted with an eye-popping display of diamonds tied to his confrontation with Mike Tyson last year.
This time, however, Paul has opted for a tribute closer to his personal fandom. He drew inspiration from Hulk Hogan for his fight kit, a nod to the wrestling icon who helped shape his entertainment-forward approach to sport.
In a video posted to Instagram, Paul explained that his gear would honor “The Hulkster,” featuring shorts fashioned from the skin of a 12-foot alligator.
“Something never done before,” he said. “I’m creating boxing shorts from an alligator I killed. After spotting a 12-foot gator during a hunt, I decided to turn it into my fight outfit. Our team put in around-the-clock effort to design and craft the perfect look for this bout, entirely as an homage to Hulk Hogan.”
View this post on Instagram
Hogan died earlier this year, and Paul, along with many in combat sports, offered tributes to the WWE icon.
Whether Paul walks out to Hogan’s iconic theme, “Real American,” remains to be seen, but whatever he plans should provide a memorable spectacle.
Is Jake Paul’s career at a crossroads come Friday night?
With the Joshua bout on the horizon, many keepers of boxing’s traditions expect the worst—forecasts of an abrupt end to Paul’s boxing journey. Several former competitors have even voiced concerns for Paul’s safety, citing the physical risk of stepping into the ring with a heavyweight rival like Joshua.
Stay in the loop with Bloody Elbow for more updates and perspectives on this evolving story.
