Jake Paul’s world title dream became a real possibility on Saturday night.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer survived a late scare to beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. over 10 rounds.
A win over the former WBC middleweight champion set up a potential title fight for Jake Paul.
The 28-year-old could well fight a 48-1 cruiserweight KO artist who won on his undercard.
- READ MORE: Jake Paul makes emotional Ben Askren plea in post-fight speech after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr win
Jake Paul sets up Gilberto Ramirez title fight
Gilberto Ramirez beat Yuniel Dorticos over 12 rounds to defend his WBA (Super) and WBO cruiserweight titles in the co-main event of Paul’s latest fight card.
In doing so, ‘Zurdo’ set up a potential clash with the former Disney star, who is now a ranked fighter.
Hours before Paul beat Chavez Jr., the stakes for their eagerly anticipated fight were upped by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza.
Boxing journalist Lance Pugmire revealed: “Told by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza that if @jakepaul wins tonight, he will be elevated into the @WBABoxing rankings, making him eligible for a title shot at the champion @ZurdoRamirezz or Dorticos.”
Paul and Ramirez wasted no time building their fight as they faced off backstage at the Honda Center.
Jake Paul’s six-man hit list
Ramirez wasn’t on Paul’s six-man hit list of potential opponents before his fight with Chavez Jr.
“After Chavez, I think Gervonta Davis, Anthony Joshua, KSI, Tommy Fury, Ryan Garcia, Badou Jack,” he said during a recent interview.
Any of those opponents would bring Paul the mega-money payday and glory he desires.
A fight with Ramirez presents him with the chance to do what many people think is impossible by becoming a world champion.
It remains to be seen where Paul will take his wildly entertaining boxing career next.