The little-known sparring partner that Jake Paul put down in a recent video clip has finally spoken out after the footage went viral.

In the middle of last month, the YouTuber-turned-boxer shared a video of himself knocking down an unknown heavyweight sparring partner in preparation for his upcoming bout with Mike Tyson. It was later revealed that the teammate was top 15-ranked DeAndre Savage.

Since then, it has been radio silence from Savage, who was seen in a number of other social media posts training in Paul’s plush Puerto Rican training base. But he has finally opened up on Instagram, thanking the YouTube star for his help during fight camp.

Jake Paul dropped sparring partner in viral Mike Tyson training clip

In an effort to promote his upcoming bout with Tyson, Jake Paul shared a video on October 17 in which he appeared to floor a teammate during a sparring session. The social media star ducked his head and winged an overhand right, similar to the shot he used to knock out Tyron Woodley in 2021.

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Paul taunted Tyson in his caption, writing that the iconic boxer should “take notes”. He also said in a later part of the footage that the former world heavyweight champion should make sure not to “charge at him”.

The video has already been viewed over 10million times on Instagram, with millions more views coming across other social platforms. Some fans weren’t convinced of the level of his opponent, but it was later revealed that he had brought in a legitimate contender for his camp.

Sparring partner dropped by Jake Paul revealed to be top 15 heavyweight

After the video went viral, a search began with eagle-eyed fans looking to identify the heavyweight who had been knocked down. With limited visible tattoos or other identifying marks and thick headgear on, his identity appeared well kept in the footage.

However, when some fans on X, formerly Twitter, claimed that it was unbeaten heavyweight Jeremiah Milton he clapped back and revealed who was actually in the video. He had already fought Savage in the amateurs, stopping him early in a previously viral clip.

Savage has since turned over to the professional ranks, winning six bouts by knockout on route to a perfect record. He has also had two no contests, and his victories were enough to land him a top 15 spot with the WBA; one of boxing’s most important governing bodies.

DeAndre Savage speaks out for the first time since viral knockdown video

Now for the first time since the video gained viral traction, Savage has taken to social media to give his thoughts. And while he didn’t mention the viral clip, he shared photos of his new home, which he claims was paid for in part by his earnings as a teammate of Paul’s in Puerto Rico.

“I want to give a big thanks to the sport of boxing for helping me get paid to travel all over the world,” he wrote. “I also want to thank my coach @3rdworldboxing who is the head trainer of Jake Paul for selling me my first home.

“I want to thank @jakepaul for helping me make the money to purchase my first home that sits on 1.5 acres of land, with a big pole barn in the back yard. This year has been a great year by far. Big fights are on the way, stay tuned.”