Golden Gloves VR Launches First-Ever VR Boxing Tournament

Golden Gloves VR, the official esports platform for USA Boxing, has partnered with Jake Paul’s Boxing Bullies to host a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) boxing tournament. This first-of-its-kind event took place on December 15, 2025, during the fight week leading up to the highly anticipated bout between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua.

The tournament is designed to spotlight the new USA Boxing x Boxing Bullies youth pilot program. This initiative aims to instill confidence and leadership skills in young athletes through principles of mindfulness and breathwork integrated into boxing training. The event was held at the Hollywood Police Athletic League (PAL) Boxing Gym, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Boxing Bullies program for participants, coaches, and local gyms.

The tournament winner will receive an exclusive VIP experience at the upcoming Jake vs. Joshua event, which will be broadcast live on Netflix on December 19, 2025. Participants competed in a virtual venue modeled after Jake Paul’s personal boxing gym in Puerto Rico, developed by Engine Room VR. This innovative setup not only provided a realistic environment for the competition but will also remain available in Golden Gloves VR, allowing children across the United States to learn boxing fundamentals in a safe, no-contact setting.

This national accessibility aligns with Jake Paul’s vision for the Boxing Bullies initiative, which seeks to empower youth from diverse backgrounds to build confidence and leadership through boxing. The collaboration with Golden Gloves VR enhances the program by offering a dynamic platform for young athletes to practice fundamental skills while remaining engaged and motivated.

Mitch Glaser, Head of Finance, Strategy & Brand at Most Valuable Promotions, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Jake’s mission with Boxing Bullies has always been about empowering the next generation. Our partnership with USA Boxing to create a first-of-its-kind non-contact, nationwide youth boxing program takes that mission to a whole new level.”

Aaron Sloan, Founder of Engine Room VR, emphasized the transformative power of boxing, saying, “Boxing changes lives. Partnering with Jake Paul and USA Boxing to recreate Jake Paul’s gym into Golden Gloves VR allows us to use our technology to inspire and empower kids across the U.S.”

This initiative aims to expand access to quality boxing instruction through innovative technology. Golden Gloves VR provides an engaging platform for young fighters to learn essential skills, fostering a supportive environment for their development.

The collaboration between Golden Gloves VR, USA Boxing, and Boxing Bullies highlights a shared commitment to creating confidence-building experiences for young athletes across the country. The program also supports coaches in reinforcing positive principles and offers an exciting pathway for children to engage with boxing.

For those interested, Golden Gloves VR is available for download on Meta Quest, providing an opportunity for aspiring boxers to start their training journey today.

This initiative is not just about sports; it represents a movement to cultivate resilience and confidence among youth, ensuring they have the tools necessary to succeed both in and out of the ring. Through this partnership, the future of boxing and youth development looks bright, and the impact will resonate far beyond the virtual arena.