Jake Paul has said he wants to win a world title in boxing, and he could be closer than anyone thinks.
Paul continues to upset the boxing apple cart while drawing tons of eyes. His recent matchup with Mike Perry had its share of critics, but the matchup was one of the most searched terms on July 20.
If the fight with Perry and the matchup with 59-year-old Mike Tyson planned for November hasn’t gotten under boxing purist’s skin, a potential world title bout between Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will stoke the flames.
While it might sound unrealistic, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza Jr. posted on X that he isn’t opposed to sanctioning the fight for a world title.
If you’re wondering what weight class the two fighters would compete in, I’d look at a regular championship at cruiseweight or bridgerweight as the likely landing spot if this comes to fruition.
Paul has compiled a 10-1 professional record with 7 KOs. Five of his fights have come against former mixed martial artists. Two of Paul’s other wins came against former NBA player Nate Robinson and his pro debut was against social media personality Ali Eson Gib.
However, he has scored stoppage wins over professional boxers Ryan Bourland and Andre August, and he’s set to tangle with Tyson in what promises to be one of the most polarizing boxing matches in history. If Paul wins over Tyson, especially if he wins by KO, I would not be shocked to see him get a chance to win a WBA title.
The WBA has long been among the most criticized governing bodies for erecting a plethora of world titles. If Paul gets a shot under their banner, it will only build some fans’ animosity toward the organization.
While Paul’s inclusion in any title bout will draw some fans’ ire, the criticism toward Chavez Jr’s involvement won’t be less harsh. The former world champion is now 38 years old and competing at a much lower level than he was a decade ago. The 38-year-old just fought former UFC fighter Uriah Hall on the Paul-Perry undercard. Chavez Jr won via a lackluster unanimous decision.
The fight was Chavez Jr’s first time in the ring since he scored another decision win over David Zegarra in 2021. According to conventional boxing thinking, neither Paul nor Chavez Jr. qualify for a title bout. However, Paul’s entire existence in boxing has been built on his willingness to be unconventional.
If Mendoza is willing to endure the heat he’d get for endorsing a Paul-Chavez Jr bout as a world title fight, it may kick off the largest storm of criticism we’ve seen in recent years. Love or hate Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer has moved the needle and seemingly had some impact on promoter’s willingness to put together matchups between marquee names.
If Paul gets his wish and wins a world title–even a secondary one–it will make his presence in the sport even more impactful.
