“I want people talking about me when I’m gone,” Jake Paul once admitted. And at just 28, he’s certainly laying the groundwork to ensure that happens. From his early days making vines with his older brother Logan to becoming a headline-grabbing force in the boxing world, Jake Paul has engineered a rapid and remarkable transformation in just five years. But his ambitions don’t stop at being a recognizable face. Beyond the ring, Jake Paul has proven himself a savvy businessman, co-founding Most Valuable Promotions just a year after his professional debut. Since then, MVP has built an impressive roster, focusing heavily on rising female stars like Alycia Baumgardner, Naomy Valle, and Nat Dove as well as young boxing prospects like Javon Walton and Lucas Bahdi. Now, MVP has added another major talent to its lineup.

It’s the undefeated welterweight Avious ‘The Underdog’ Griffin. Announced just a week ago, the Las Vegas-based powerhouse joins the team with a fearsome 94% knockout rate and a ten-fight KO streak. “Avious Griffin is an exceptional talent whose combination of elite power, mental toughness, and personal resilience positions him for long-term success in the sport,” Paul and co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a joint statement. Trained by Brian “BoMac” McIntyre since early 2024, Griffin made a statement in his last outing by stopping Jose Luis Sanchez with an eighth-round TKO at Sony Hall in New York. And as a nod to Griffin’s talent, Jake Paul marked the occasion with a special gift.

“Avious Griffin manifested his signing with Jake Paul months before!” read a recent post by Most Valuable Promotions on Instagram. You see, MVP has made a habit of recruiting standout amateurs and rising prospects, and Griffin fits that mold perfectly. But what sets him apart from others? It’s the life Griffin’s lived to get here. In a powerful twist of fate, Griffin’s official signing comes exactly seven years to the day he was incarcerated. At 24, and sitting at 4-0, he was accused of murder in 2017. He spent 11 months behind bars before being fully exonerated, with overwhelming evidence clearing his name. Even before that, in 2016, he endured the loss of his father, Alvin, to a brain hemorrhage. Now, that long, hard road is starting to see a silver lining with the MVP signing him and even sending him on an all-expenses-paid trip to New York.

In the MVP video post, Griffin was shown enjoying New York, relaxed and joking on a video call with Jake Paul. “Jake what’s the deal champ? Where you at with it?” he said with a grin. “What up my man! How are you?” Jake Paul replied. “I am sitting right here in your seat, man. I thought you was gonna be here. I got my feet kicked up. $3000 Louis Vuitton’s on baby,” the 31-year-old laughed. “Looking good. 17-0 looking good!” Jake Paul responded, to which Griffin added, “Thank you, man. Appreciate i,t man. Thank you for bringing me on board. I came to New York. [And] you showed me a good time. It was a good experience. I appreciate that.” Clearly impressed by Griffin’s energy and gratitude, Jake Paul welcomed the opportunity to build something special.

“Of course, my man. We’re excited to do big things. Let’s get it,” Jake Paul said. “Let’s go. We’re gonna lock in. We’re gonna go to the top. MVP!” Griffin replied, echoing Paul’s vision. Before wrapping up the call, Paul gave one last playful nudge: “All right. Enjoy the seats, bro. And you can order popcorn there.” Laughing, Griffin fired back, “My popcorn? Hey, Jake Paul said give me some popcorn!” The video call then came to an end when Jake Paul said, “Alright, bro. Have fun.”

With momentum building, Griffin’s next test is already on the books. He’s set to face Julian Rodriguez on June 28th, the same night Jake Paul takes on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, live on DAZN PPV. And it seems that even before stepping into the ring on June 28th, there’s already buzz about his next opponent. So, who is it?

Jake Paul’s latest prospect has a vision as bold as his

For as tough as life has been outside the ring, Avious Griffin has made boxing look too effortless. Since turning pro in 2016 when he knocked out Costello Austin in the very first round, Griffin has made a habit of ending fights before the final bell. Year after year, he’s racked up knockout wins, and his most recent victory earned him the vacant WBC USA Welterweight title. Now, that belt isn’t just a trophy. It’s bait. A bait to lure the WBC world champion Mario Barrios into the ring.

But don’t expect any trash talk from Griffin to make that happen. In fact, Griffin holds Barrios in the highest regard. “He’s a good fighter,” he told The Ring. “He been around the game for a while. I would love to get in there with him.” However, Barrios is currently ranked No. 3 by The Ring and is scheduled to face the only eight-division champion in boxing, Manny Pacquiao, on July 19th. If Barrios comes out on top and if he’s open to it, a showdown with Griffin could be in the cards. But if Barrios takes a loss, that path may become far more complicated.

Still, Griffin isn’t one to jump the line or rush his journey. While the dream of fighting Barrios is real, he’s focused on continuing to climb up the ladder the right way. So, can Jake Paul’s newest star reach his dream fight with Mario Barrios? And hand Rodriguez his second professional career defeat?