Jake Paul reveals wish list: Canelo, Joshua, Usyk and more challengers.

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Jake Paul Reveals His New “Wish List” in Boxing

In August 2021, Jake Paul presented a “wish list” of opponents he wanted to face in his professional boxing career. At that time, Paul was in his early fights, seeking the transition from social media influencer to full-time boxer. Paul had already defeated AnEsonGib, NBA dunk champion Nate Robinson, and former MMA fighter Ben Askren, with impressive knockouts. However, Paul’s inexperience in the sport made his list seem like that of a child with very big dreams. Although Paul didn’t get a dinosaur, he did manage to cross off several names from his original list, achieving what seemed impossible for a YouTuber with no experience in amateur boxing. According to Paul, this is just the beginning.

“The fans and the media thought the list was crazy, but the people in my circle believed because we know the ins and outs of boxing and how good I was getting. As long as I kept winning, showing improvements, and putting on big events to become the money man in boxing, the fights would come. Many of these fights wouldn’t happen if people weren’t getting paid because there’s too much risk involved”.

Jake Paul
Initially, Paul was scheduled to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis on November 14 in an exhibition at the Kaseya Center in Miami, but the fight was canceled due to a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel. The original list of Paul included names like Conor McGregor, KSI, Canelo Álvarez, Kamaru Usman, and his brother Logan. To date, he has fought against AnEsonGib, Robinson, Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice), Nate Diaz, and Tommy Fury. In addition, he achieved victories over former UFC fighters Anderson Silva and Mike Perry, and boxers Andre August, Ryan Bourland, Mike Tyson, and Julio César Chávez Jr.

With the fight against Davis canceled and most of the names on the original list already faced, Paul has revealed a new list of targets, promising to stay busy for the next few years. Below, we analyze this new list, according to Paul’s statements.

Jake Paul’s New Goals

Terence Crawford, undisputed super-middleweight champion.
Crawford, with a record of 42-0 and 31 knockouts, is coming off a victory over Canelo Álvarez and establishing himself as the best pound-for-pound boxer. Paul considers this matchup a mega-fight and a challenge to test his limits.

“I respect him as a boxer and, possibly, the best pound for pound alongside Oleksandr Usyk. I love challenges, man. I know it would be an incredibly difficult and very tough fight. But, at the end of the day, I’m here to test my limits”.

Jake Paul
However, the probability of this fight materializing is low, as Crawford, 38 years old, has not confirmed whether he will continue his career. According to Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, Crawford prioritizes legacy over financial gain, which could complicate negotiations.KSI, youtuber turned boxer.
The fight between Paul and KSI has been a topic of conversation for years. Although KSI defeated Jake’s brother, Logan, in a rematch, it seems that this fight is not so realistic at the moment. However, Bidarian believes that it is too big a fight not to happen.Alex Pereira, UFC light heavyweight champion.
Paul still has interest in facing the most important stars of the UFC, and Pereira is a name that stands out. According to Bidarian, this fight could demonstrate Jake’s superiority over the best of MMA. Paul has had preliminary conversations with Pereira and his team, but UFC approval is needed.Anthony Joshua, former unified heavyweight champion.
Paul seeks to prove his worth against the heavyweights. Although there has been talk of a possible fight for early 2026, plans could change due to Joshua’s recent elbow surgery. Joshua remains a possible opponent, and the United States versus United Kingdom element would add extra appeal. Bidarian is willing to make this fight for Paul.Tommy Fury, cruiserweight prospect.
Paul’s only defeat in his professional career was against Fury, and he seeks a rematch. Although there have been negotiations, the economic demands of Fury’s team have made the agreement difficult.Oleksandr Usyk, undisputed heavyweight champion.

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Although Usyk is undisputed champion in two divisions, he doesn’t have the same appeal as Joshua, Crawford, or Álvarez. The fight would take place in MMA. Usyk has challenged Paul, and the latter has expressed interest in returning to his wrestling roots.Canelo Álvarez, world champion in four divisions.
Although a fight between Canelo and Paul did not materialize, Paul still has interest in facing the Mexican. A recent meeting with Turki Alalshikh could open the door to this fight.Ryan Garcia, welterweight contender.
The rivalry between Paul and Garcia, with their large social media followings, could generate a massive event. Bidarian believes that this fight could materialize in 2026 or 2027.
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