Stake Signs Jully Poca de Oliveira as Global Boxing Ambassador

The landscape of sports betting and combat sports is evolving rapidly through strategic influencer partnerships. Stake has taken a significant leap by securing Jully Poca de Oliveira, widely known as Jully Poca, as its first official boxing ambassador. The Brazilian fighter joins an elite roster of partners, including the UFC and superstars like Drake, marking a new chapter for the brand's expansion into the boxing world.

The timing of this announcement aligns with a major milestone in Poca's career. She is scheduled to face Cinderella Linnear in a super lightweight bout on Friday, August 21, 2026. For Stake, this partnership signifies more than just a sponsorship; it is an entry point into a new combat sports discipline, building upon its successful foundation as the official betting partner of the UFC in Brazil.

Numbers and facts

Jully Poca's journey to professional boxing is unique. She first gained fame as a fitness and martial arts influencer. Her path took a viral turn when she intervened to protect a mother and daughter from an assault, a moment that resonated globally. She made her crossover boxing debut in 2023 and has remained undefeated since. In June 2026, she successfully transitioned to professional boxing, defeating Monica Medina via unanimous decision.

Currently, Poca holds the title of the most-followed female professional boxer in the world. This massive digital footprint is a key asset for Stake. Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, highlighted Poca's role as a trailblazer in the industry. He believes she has opened doors for female influencers seeking success in professional fighting.

"We’ve got a great portfolio of fighters in our ranks and we’re proud to have added not only an emerging, ferocious and undefeated boxer but someone who’s paved the way for female influencers who wish to make it in fighting. We have a huge respect for combat sports and whilst we’ve built a fantastic foundation in UFC, we hope signing Poca will open more opportunities for us to expand our partnerships in boxing." - Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake

Background

Stake is already deeply entrenched in the Brazilian sports market. The brand serves as the official betting partner for the UFC in Brazil and collaborates with renowned UFC stars such as Alex Pereira and Alexandre Pantoja. Expanding into boxing with Jully Poca is a logical step to solidify its dominance in Latin America and beyond. Poca herself views the partnership as an opportunity to inspire a wider audience.

"I’ve always wanted to work with brands that think globally and support athletes beyond competition. Stake has built an incredible presence in sports, and I’m proud to be part of that. My goal has always been to inspire people through my journey, both inside and outside the ring." - Jully Poca de Oliveira, Boxer and Ambassador

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the involvement of brands like Stake remains a complex issue. Currently, Stake does not hold a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the German gambling regulator. Consequently, the platform is not listed on the official whitelist. German residents seeking a legal and secure environment should strictly use providers regulated under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021).

Germany enforces strict player protection measures, such as a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros across all platforms, monitored by the LUGAS system. Additionally, stakes for virtual slot machines are capped at 1 Euro per spin. Operators without a German license often lack these safeguards, which can lead to significant legal challenges in case of disputes or withdrawal issues. While the partnership with Jully Poca is a global marketing success, it does not change the fact that such crypto-casinos operate in a legal gray area within the German market.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The aggressive marketing tactics of international giants like Stake put pressure on licensed German operators. While GGL-licensed casinos face strict advertising restrictions, international brands utilize global stars to reach German audiences via social media. This underscores the need for German regulators to vigilantly monitor advertising compliance. Furthermore, it shows that the trend of using sports ambassadors is here to stay. German casinos might feel encouraged to partner with local sports icons to prevent players from migrating to the unregulated market. Ultimately, the competition between regulated markets and global players will remain a central theme throughout 2026 and 2027.