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Jake Paul Says He's Showing Early Signs Of CTE Since Taking Up Boxing

Jake Paul Says He's Showing Early Signs Of CTE Since Taking Up Boxing

The Youtuber made the claims back in April but is gearing up for his fourth professional fight regardless

Simon Catling

Simon Catling

Jake Paul looks to make it four wins from four since beginning his professional boxing career, but the Youtuber has already said that he's showing early signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) since stepping into the ring.

Paul was speaking back in April during a media appearance ahead of his bout against former UFC star Ben Askren, which he won via first round knockout. The influencer said that he'd undergone brain scans but that he "loves the sport" and doesn't regret becoming a fighter.

PA

Paul said: "It's a dangerous sport. That's why, when people question my dedication to it, it's like, I'm showing up every single day.

"I'm putting my mental health on the line, my brain is on the line. Like you said, I've gone and gotten brain scans and [I] have early signs of CTE.

"But, I love this sport and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I'm a fighter and people will see that whether it's after Saturday night or whether it's a year from now they will see that I'm a fighter."

CTE is a brain degeneration that is thought to be caused by repeated trauma to the head.

According to the NHS, typical symptoms of the condition include short-term memory loss, changes in mood and slurred speech.

PA

Since Paul's claims, experts in the industry have suggested that it could make things more difficult next time he wants to get a fight licenced.

However, for now he fights on. Having beaten retired UFC fighter Askren back in the spring, Paul faces former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley on August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Woodley has an impressive MMA match record of 19 wins from 27 matches, including three UFC PPV appearances. However, aged 39 this will be his professional boxing debut.

Paul, meanwhile, has said that he's bringing a tattoo artist to the fight to tattoo the winner's name on the losing fighter.

During a recent press conference a wager was made between the two, which will see the loser permanently stamped with 'I love', followed by their opponent's name.

Speaking to fellow YouTuber True Geordie, aka Brian Davis, Paul confirmed that he would indeed be bringing a tattoo artist with him to the fight.

PA

Not only that, but should he emerge victorious, he would be sending her straight to Woodley's dressing room.

He told Davis: "I have a tattoo artist, one of the biggest tattoo artists in the world, Tattoo Baby, is coming to the fight.

"She has her equipment, so after the fight I'm sending her to his dressing room to get it done, I swear."

Woodley himself has suggested he'd be considerably more lenient with the forfeit, offering an alternative plan for his foe if things go his way.

Speaking to The MMA Hour, he said: "I'll let [Paul] negotiate. If he doesn't want to get the tattoo, you have got to pay me a nice bag."

Featured Image Credit: Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, Boxing, US News