Jake Paul: Ready for the world title? Analysis of his options

Jake Paul: What’s next for the controversial boxer?

Jake Paul has achieved his most important victory against an experienced rival, defeating former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., by unanimous decision in a 10-round cruiserweight bout. This victory propels Paul one step closer to his dream of becoming a world champion. However, his experience is limited, with only one amateur fight and this victory being the 13th of his professional career. The level of competition he has faced is also a cause for concern. His career has focused on fights against former MMA fighters, two journeymen boxers, a fellow YouTuber, a retired former NBA player, and a nearly 60-year-old former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson. Chávez, although experienced, is far from his best and has had difficulties staying active and competitive. Despite this, Paul achieved the most important victory of his career and demonstrated new skills that show his growth since his only defeat against Tommy Fury in 2023. If Paul aims to fight for a cruiserweight world title, his options are WBC champion Badou Jack, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who defended his WBA and WBO belts in the co-main event, and Jai Opetaia, holder of the IBF title. Both the WBA and WBC have suggested that an impressive performance by Paul could lead to him being ranked by the sanctioning bodies, while there has been no news from the IBF and WBO.

I don’t care, bro. I have a lot of time. I’m 28 years old. I’ll fight anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Jake Paul

Given the circumstances, what’s next for Paul and against whom does he have the most chances of success?

• Badou Jack: Jack has held the WBC title since February 2023, when he stopped Ilunga Makabu, but has only made one defense, against Noel Mikaelian in May. The timing could coincide for a fight with Paul in late 2025, and although Jack is 41 years old, he is still a dangerous option due to his experience.
• Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez: Ramírez, 34, earned a hard-fought decision victory over former champion Yuniel Dorticos. The WBA is interested in ranking Paul, so Ramírez is an option.
• Jai Opetaia: Opetaia, 29, is the best in the cruiserweight division. He has speed and power on his side. He is a violent puncher who is entering his prime years and is a nightmare matchup for Paul at this time.

Most likely fight: Tommy Fury A rematch with Fury, in a non-title fight, is a more realistic option for Paul, who has improved by leaps and bounds since the last time they fought. It’s the right time to avenge the defeat. Paul’s team has stated that Fury’s price was too high for a rematch, but Fury’s options are scarce at this point in his career. The fight would be a big draw with a solid storyline. As long as the two sides can reach an agreement, this is the right fight to make if Paul can’t secure one with a world champion.