Jake Paul Says He'd Be 'In Jail Or Probably Dead' Without Boxing

​Jake Paul says he'd be 'in jail or probably dead somewhere' without boxing as he explained how the sport has 'saved his life'.

Paul has claimed he owes his life to boxing - revealing that he'd be 'in jail or dead' if it wasn't for his budding fighting career. 

Image: PA

The YouTuber-turned-boxer has racked up five wins since turning professional, beating the likes of Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.

And, without boxing, Paul might not be around. That's according to the man himself, who expressed his gratitude to the sport in a recent and powerful interview. 

'The Problem Child' also understands why there's backlash against him, but insists all he has ever wanted to do is help grow the sport and help fighters. 

Speaking to Teddy Atlas via MMA Mania, Paul said: "Boxing saved my life, so I owe a ton to it. I would be in jail or probably dead somewhere if it weren’t for boxing because I was going down a really weird path in my early 20s that wasn’t sustainable and because of that I owe everything to this sport.

"That’s why I’m so passionate about making boxing great again. I have the hat that says make boxing great again... I’ll slowly earn more people’s respect."

The 5-0 boxer added: "I understand people’s perspective about how it’s a circus and how this isn’t boxing but again all I’m doing is putting in the work and trying to get better in the gym and fighting tougher opponents each time.

"I respect this sport more than anything. I think anyone that puts on the 10 oz gloves and gets in that squared circle should be respected because you’re risking your life at the end of the day and that’s why I take this very seriously.

"All I ever wanted to do is to contribute to the sport, bring new eyeballs to the sport, help fighters get paid more."