Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision on Friday, November 15, in the main event of Netflix’s grand kickoff for live sports streaming. The event drew more than 108 million viewers and garnered Tyson and Paul massive paydays.
With Tyson likely headed for retirement and Paul seemingly entertaining potential challengers, here is a list of four potential opponents who could be next for The Problem Child.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
The former world middleweight champion and second-generation star is way past his prime. However, at 38, he’s 20 years younger than Tyson, and he fought four months ago, taking a unanimous decision over MMA fighter Uriah Hall.
Chavez has called out Paul on multiple occasions, including a recent Instagram post that concluded with, “Jake, it’s time.”
Because of Chavez’s built-in fanbase (750,000 followers on Instagram), which has carried over from his legendary father’s diehard following, he can make a strong case to MVP Promotions that he should be Paul’s next opponent.
This fight would be winnable for Paul but would represent a step up in competition compared to Tyson and most of the opponents The Problem Child has faced in his boxing career.
Tommy Fury
The British boxer is the only man who has defeated Paul in a boxing match. The two met in 2023, and Fury won by split decision. Fury is the younger brother of boxing superstar Tyson Fury, and he’s scheduled to fight former MMA fighter Darren Till in January 2025.
“He’s only got one defeat and that’s to me, so it’s inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring,” Fury said on Wednesday. “I know I’m going to be an improved fighter, and with him, the [fights] he’s taking and what he’s doing, I’m not sure if he’s going to improve that much.”
If Fury beats Till, there is a definite story in that rematch. It’s a fight that could be sold as one Paul has a chance of losing—which is something millions of people would tune in to see.
Canelo Alvarez
A fight between Paul and Canelo could challenge the bout with Tyson in terms of pure viewership. Canelo is nearly as famous as Tyson but is more current because he’s active and still considered one of the best fighters in the world.
This fight would be extremely risky for Paul because he would be incredibly overmatched in skill and experience. Paul is a naturally bigger man than Canelo, but his size advantage isn’t likely to negate what the Mexican icon has in boxing acumen.
Canelo has the kind of loyal fanbase who will show up to watch him fight anyone. The concept of him protecting the sport from someone viewed as an outsider is one that can easily be sold.
The problem with this fight is that Paul would be at a massive disadvantage, which, in his position, represents a risk he doesn’t need to take.
Conor McGregor
The biggest and most appropriate opponent on this list is McGregor. A Paul-McGregor fight would likely be the biggest combat sports event in history. It’s also a fight that Paul probably should win if it is contested in a boxing ring.
McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr. unsuccessfully back in 2017, and he is the smaller man. He has also not appeared to be in fighting shape—mentally or physically—as of late.
Nevertheless, he is still a straw capable of stirring the proverbial drink.
The major drawback for this fight is McGregor’s contract with the UFC. He still has two fights left on his current deal, and the UFC has seldom allowed fighters under contract to pursue these kinds of outside ventures.
This issue is part of the reason Francis Ngannou left for the Professional Fighters League. That said, the UFC made an exception with McGregor for the Mayweather fight because of the size of the event.
It’s beginning to look less likely McGregor will return to the UFC’s Octagon, and one wonders if they would be interested in co-promoting a fight like this with MVP Promotions to capitalize on McGregor’s drawing power.
