Jake Paul is plotting a return to the ring towards the end of this year as he pushes one step closer to a world title fight.
The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer is currently ranked number 14 by the WBA, meaning he is a legitimate contender for Gilberto Ramirez’s championship. He even faced off with ‘Zurdo’ after they shared the card in California last month, beginning the build towards a showdown.
However, it seems that Paul’s spot within the WBA rankings might be in jeopardy as the governing body plans to put his placement ‘under review’ in Madrid next week. And he appears to be more interested in pursuing Badou Jack, the 41-year-old WBC cruiserweight champion instead.
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Jake Paul’s fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr was his second choice for a bout this year, after initial plans for a massive crossover bout with Canelo Alvarez fell through at the last minute. He pivoted to the former champion, whose history in the sport helped earn Paul his world ranking.
Now, Paul is plotting a return towards the end of the year, according to his Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. Appearing on the Ariel Helwani show, former UFC COO Bidarian explained that no opponent is lined up yet, but the next bout will continue Paul’s path towards a title fight.
“Absolutely 100 per cent,” Bidarian replied when asked if Paul would fight again this year. “November, December. I’m seeing him for dinner tonight and we’ll have that conversation [about who is the frontrunner for his opponent].
“The only possibility right now is that Jake wants to fight for a belt as soon as possible. That’s the real critical factor. I’ve got to talk to him.
“I think it’s tough this year because Badou Jack who he wants to fight more so than anyone has a mandatory rematch with the guy he just beat for the WBC. I don’t know if this year is possible [for the title fight] but we’ll see.
Jake Paul wants to pursue world championship dreams
It appears that Paul is more and more serious about his efforts to pursue a world championship, and is going about it somewhat the right way. He is ranked by the WBA and has discussed the possibility of further rankings with over governing bodies, particularly the WBC.
It appears that Badou Jack is the champion he wants to pursue, having shared a card with him the night he fought Tommy Fury two years ago. For Paul’s critics, they will argue that Jack qualifies for his opponent roster given that he is about to turn 42 and is better known for his super-middleweight run.
“I want tougher fighters, I want to be world champion,” Paul said during his post-fight interview at the Honda Center last month. However, he called out an eclectic group of rivals including lightweight Gervonta Davis, heavyweight Anthony Joshua and his old rival Tommy Fury.