Jake Paul Draws Criticism After Snake Training Video Surfaces

Jake Paul has drawn criticism after a 40-second boxing training video showed him punching a heavy bag with a large snake wrapped around the chain above it, while the 29-year-old boxer prepares for a possible return following his loss to Anthony Joshua.

The footage was shared by boxing social media account Happy Punch and showed Paul moving around the bag cautiously as the animal, believed to be a python, remained nearby. The video shifted attention from his comeback plans to concerns about animal welfare.

An unidentified person heard in the background gave Paul instructions during the exercise, telling him to continue working around the snake.

"start jabbing around it" the off-camera instructor said during the training footage.

According to Marca, many viewers criticized the use of a live animal during the session, questioning whether the exercise provided a meaningful boxing benefit. Several reactions focused on whether the snake was placed under unnecessary stress.

"Bro, this is just animal abuse," a social media user wrote in reaction to the footage.

Another viewer questioned the purpose of involving the animal, while others accused Paul of creating a spectacle rather than a practical training method.

"The f**k did the snake do to him? This is trashy man," another social media user commented.

Paul has not provided a detailed public explanation of the session. The controversy comes after he was knocked out by former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025, suffering a broken jaw that required multiple surgeries.

"How is this going to help his glass jaw?" one viewer wrote while referencing Paul's defeat against Joshua.

"So stunning and brave," another viewer commented sarcastically about the unusual training footage.

Paul has discussed a potential return to competition in early 2027, although no opponent or official date has been confirmed. He has also explored possible future opportunities in boxing, mixed martial arts and professional football.

According to Sidekick Boxing, Paul shared a whiteboard titled "Before I Rest" in October 2026 featuring 14 potential targets across boxing and mixed martial arts. The list included Canelo Alvarez, Conor McGregor, Tom Aspinall, Francis Ngannou, Deontay Wilder, Nate Diaz and other fighters.

The latest list follows an earlier 2021 board created before Paul's fight with Tyron Woodley. Sidekick Boxing reported that several names, including Alvarez, McGregor and KSI, remained connected to Paul's long-term ambitions.