Jake Paul seems to be undeterred by reports that he could lose his WBA top 15 ranking after his placement was put under review.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul dominated former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr last weekend, and was subsequently placed in the cruiserweight top 15 by the WBA. However, the position was controversial, and now The Ring Magazine are reporting that his ranking is being reviewed.
Paul was ranked after three wins over legitimate boxers which came either side of a fight with Mike Tyson in November of last year. Prior to that he had defeated 10-1 Andre August and 17-2 Ryan Bourland, and Chavez Jr held a 54-6-1 record before Paul comfortably defeated him over 10 rounds.
- Who is Jake Paul? Get to know the YouTuber-turned-boxing sensation after his record-breaking fight with Mike Tyson
Jake Paul unfazed by WBA placing his top 15 position under review
The Ring Magazine reported last night that due to “heavy criticism and outrage from other ranked contenders, the WBA will review Jake Paul’s cruiserweight ranking at their upcoming European convention in Madrid”.
Paul seems to be unbothered by the reports, however, writing on X after the news: “Life is good.”
His Most Valuable Promotions then wrote on Instagram: “Can’t say we are surprised. But no matter what, he will not be stopped. Fall down 10 times, get back up every single time. Expect them to hate what they can’t control.”
It’s worth noting that The Ring, who broke the story, are owned by Turki Alalshikh, who has an ongoing feud with Paul. The Saudi boxing supremo is not a fan of the social media star’s brand of promotion, and Paul is a rare fighter who has yet to work with him
Throughout fight week they shared outlandish snipes at Paul. This included a post about ticket prices going as low as $10 for the Chavez Jr fight, which had a record-breaking gate, and another regarding the former champion’s history of being in and out of rehab.
Jake Paul has imminent world title ambitions
Jake Paul is now pursuing a shot at a world championship, with Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Badou Jack both in his sights. He faced off with Ramirez after his win over Chavez, and is officially eligible to fight for his belt as a ranked cruiserweight.
He is also looking to earn a ranking with the WBC, whose belt is held by 41-year-old Jack. He tweeted yesterday: “Shoutout to the WBA and Gilberto for being disruptors and not being afraid to recognize me. Seeing all these lists with current champion Badou Jack. Give me him next.”
Jack would be far and away the toughest test of Paul’s career, but also ticks all the boxes for his critics as an aging fighter known best for his fighting at a lower weight. He turns 42 this October, and despite winning gold at light-heavyweight and cruiserweight is known best for fighting at super-middleweight.