Jake Paul vs. Andre August fight prediction, odds, undercard, preview, expert picks, start time

The social media star is back in action on Friday as he looks to close out 2023 on a high note

Despite plans to pivot to professional MMA in 2024 amid a still burgeoning influencer boxing era which he remains the face of, social media superstar turned pugilist Jake Paul hasn't given up hopes of going legitimate. 

After years of hearing critics tell him to fight a real boxer, Paul (7-1, 4 KOs) did just that -- enduring his first pro defeat, in the process -- in February when he dropped a split decision to Tommy Fury. But the 26-year-old boxer/promoter bounced back to outpoint Nate Diaz in August and still speaks with confidence about an inevitable showdown with Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez despite the groans from boxing purists.

On Friday, Paul wil go back to the traditional side of the sweet science (well, sort of) when he welcomes relative unknown and Houston native Andre August (10-1-1) in the main event of a Most Valuable Promotions card in Orlando, Florida (DAZN, 7:30 p.m. ET -- subscribe now).