On Friday night, Jake Paul faces the biggest test of his boxing career when he faces Anthony Joshua. Though, moments before he steps in the ring with the former two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Paul will make his highly-anticipated ringwalk. That walk is now rumored to be an event in itself, with sources close to the fight suggesting that the polarizing and controversial rapper 6ix9ine (Tekashi69) has been tapped to perform.
6ix9ine is known for his rainbow hair, headline-making legal issues and polarizing persona. While it remains unconfirmed, the heavy rumors alone have added more fireworks to the highly-anticipated fight.
Here’s what to know about the rapper and the rumored ring walk.
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Who is 6ix9ine?
6ix9ine, also known as Tekashi 69 or Tekashi 6ix9ine, is an American rapper who rose to prominence in the 2010s.
His personal appearance is bright, often rainbow-colored hair, face tattoos and a flair for sensational social media “trolling” and publicized celebrity feuds. Hit singles like “Gummo,” “FEFE” (with Nicki Minaj), and “Trollz” reached high positions on the music charts, and his 2018 album Dummy Boy debuted near the top of the Billboard 200.
Jake Paul with 6ix9ine backstage before the Anthony Joshua fight
(via @betr)
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 20, 2025
However, 6ix9ine’s career has been constantly overshadowed by extensive legal trouble. Prior to his mainstream success, he faced charges in a 2015 case involving use of a child in a sexual performance. Most notably, in 2018, he was arrested on federal racketeering and firearms charges in connection with his involvement with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods street gang. Facing a potential life sentence, he agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors, including testifying against his former gang associates in court.
Though he was released early in 2020 and has attempted to revive his music career, his legacy remains linked to controversy.
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What is 6ix9ine’s tie to Jake Paul?
The most significant connection is the rumor that 6ix9ine is the “infamous artist with rainbow hair” Paul teased as his ringwalk performer for the massive Joshua fight.
Let’s go Jake @rainbetcom pic.twitter.com/HU7W71uSG4
— 6ix9ine (@6ix9ine) December 19, 2025
Furthermore, the two entertainers have a history that includes a public, albeit short-lived, fight challenge. In 2021, Paul publicly stated his desire to fight the rapper, claiming 6ix9ine deserved a beating for his controversial behavior.
Beyond this public beef, both Paul and 6ix9ine have reportedly employed the same high-profile security guard, Shamir “The Shadow” Bolivar.
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Why did 6ix9ine go to jail?
6ix9ine went to jail primarily for federal charges related to racketeering and firearms in late 2018. These charges stemmed from his involvement with a violent New York City street gang known as the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Federal prosecutors accused him of being an active, money-providing member of the criminal enterprise, which was linked to multiple acts of violence, including armed robberies and shootings.
Facing decades in prison, 6ix9ine made the decision to cooperate with federal authorities by agreeing to testify against his former gang associates. This cooperation earned him a drastically reduced sentence.
Ultimately, he was sentenced to two years in prison, but due to the time he had already served and his cooperation, he was released early to home confinement in April 2020.
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How long has 6ix9ine been out of jail?
6ix9ine was released from federal prison early and began serving the remainder of his sentence under home confinement in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his asthma.
He was then officially released from home confinement in August 2020 to complete his sentence under supervised release.
He has been out of home confinement and fully released for approximately five years and four months.
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What is 6ix9ine’s real name?
6ix9ine’s real name is Daniel Hernandez.
He began his career and became known by the professional stage name 6ix9ine — sometimes stylized as Tekashi69 or Tekashi 6ix9ine — after starting his career as a rapper around 2012.
He credits the name to having an “open mind” and seeing things from “two different perspectives,” referencing how the number six when flipped upside down becomes nine.
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Jake Paul ring walk song
It’s yet to be determined what song Paul will walk into the ring with on Friday night in Miami.
There’s a variety of options, but one thing is for sure: expect fireworks.
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