Since Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision on Friday, November 15, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he’s had no shortage of fighters–current and former champions–calling him out.
Paul has ignored or brushed off most of the overtures, but he seems to be at least interested in the one from reigning IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
The 27-year-old British heavyweight who successfully defended his title with a brutal KO win over Anthony Joshua in September DM’d Paul about a potential matchup. Paul revealed Dubois’ DM on social media on Tuesday, along with his initial response, which was “get in line.”
Paul later took to social media to accept the challenge. He said his business partner Nakisa Bidarian would contact Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren to set things up.
Paul also took a shot at undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, who also called Paul out.
If only it were that simple.
There are two primary reasons this fight won’t happen anytime soon and probably never–unless it is some kind of exhibition or non-title fight.
First, Dubois is the IBF heavyweight champion, which means he is mandated to fight opponents ranked in the Top 15 by the governing body. Unlike some governing bodies, the IBF is known for sticking to its rules–even to a fault.
Paul has only had one fight at heavyweight, against 58-year-old Tyson, which is hardly enough to get him in the Top 15. Paul has been highly selective about his opponents. He’s taken one mild risk in his matchmaking, which came when he fought Tommy Fury and lost a split decision in February 2023.
There is almost no way in the world Paul would risk so much of what he’s built at this stage of his boxing career, which he created from nothing. Paul can shrug off callouts from fighters like Gervonta Davis, whom he outweighs by 70-75 pounds, and Beterbiev, one of the sport’s scariest guys.
He’s able to dismiss these callouts and point to the fighter’s lack of an audience because, truthfully, no fighter on the planet can make more money fighting anyone else than they would against Paul.
Purists detest that concept, but it is true. As much as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to make for their rematch in December, you can bet either man would make more if they were fighting Paul.
Dubois is a huge heavyweight in the prime of his career.
He’d be a massive favorite against Paul, and the latter would be in danger of taking the kind of beating that could affect the rest of his career and life. Paul has made himself a decent boxer, but he is also a brilliant businessman. It is highly doubtful he would put himself in that kind of position.
Let’s wait for Paul’s next potential opponent. It will likely be a big name that doesn’t pose much of a threat. And I’m not mad at Paul for his hustle.
