Jake Paul’s efforts to book a shot at WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack have been shut down by Don King.
Despite his star dwindling considerably from his 1980s heyday, Hall of Fame promoter King still has some sway in the boxing world. He promotes the likes of Adrian Broner, Blair Cobbs and current WBC cruiserweight title contender Noel Mikaelian.
The German just had a razor-close Majority Decision with Jack for the WBC belt in May on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull. And the governing body have called for an immediate rematch, which was organized today and taken away from purse bids.
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Don King turns down step aside deal for Jake Paul to get WBC title fight
Don King’s promotional company today issued a press release claiming that they were turning down a request for Mikaelian to allow Jake Paul to take his place in Badou Jack’s next title fight. They also noted that as Paul is not ranked with the WBC, he wouldn’t be eligible anyway.
Paul is ranked at number 14 with the WBA, although that is reportedly being reviewed in the coming days. However, his team have stated that they are keen to pursue the Jack fight, as opposed to WBA champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez or IBF’s Jai Opetaia.
“Don King Productions is denying Jake Paul’s request for former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelian to step aside from his world title rematch against Badou Jack, the current WBC Cruiserweight World Champion,” the statement read.
“The Hall of Fame promoter King said the WBC wouldn’t even be able sanction the matchup as Paul is not currently ranked by the WBC.”
Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelian avoid purse bid for WBC title rematch
Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelian’s fight back in May went to a Majority Decision, and was quickly ordered for a rematch by the WBC. It was set to go to purse bids today, but a deal has now been reached, according to a statement made to BoxingScene by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman.
“The WBC has been notified that an agreement has been reached for the rematch between Cruiserweight champion Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelyan,” Sulaiman told BoxingScene and other media on Monday. “Consequently, the purse offer scheduled for [Tuesday] is hereby cancelled.”
It is unclear where Paul stands with the WBC, who were eyeing up the potential of giving him a ranking prior to his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.