One of the world’s most famous YouTubers, Jake Paul has officially broken into the World Boxing Association’s cruiserweight rankings, making the YouTuber-turned-boxer eligible to challenge for a world title.
The WBA listed Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) at No. 14 in its latest rankings released late Monday, just two days after he scored a unanimous decision win over 39-year-old Julio César Chávez Jr. in Anaheim, California.
The move opens the door for Paul to potentially face WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, who successfully defended his title on the same card in Anaheim. Although no fight has been agreed upon, Paul and Ramírez had a tense faceoff at the post-fight press conference.
“I want tougher fighters. I want to be a world champion,” Paul declared after his win over Chávez, who had only fought once in the past four years. “Zurdo looked slow tonight… that’d be easy work, too.”
Paul’s new ranking highlights a remarkable — if unconventional — journey from Disney Channel star and YouTube sensation to legitimate contender. However, it also reflects the immense financial draw Paul brings, which sanctioning bodies like the WBA are keen to capitalize on through sanctioning fees and massive gate receipts.
Unlike most fighters climbing the rankings through a gauntlet of professional boxers, Paul’s resume features a mix of fellow social media stars, an NBA player, several aging MMA fighters, and 58-year-old Mike Tyson. His only loss came in 2023 against Tommy Fury, a relatively modest professional who’s not seen as a top-tier contender. Paul has repeatedly called for a rematch, urging Fury to “stop running.”
Chávez Jr., despite being a former WBC middleweight champion, offered little resistance until the final rounds, disappointing a pro-Mexican crowd in Southern California.
Paul insists his pursuit of boxing greatness is a calling. “I’ve been ordered by God to become a world champion,” he said, adding that he’s eyeing multiple seasoned opponents next.
Ramírez (48-1, 30 KOs) would mark a huge leap in competition for Paul. The former super middleweight champ and now dominant cruiserweight recently outpointed Yuniel Dorticos to retain his belt.
Still, Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian hinted they might target a different champion. “The biggest issue with a Paul vs. Zurdo fight is Zurdo didn’t show himself to be a promoter,” Bidarian said. “Why isn’t he more engaged with fans? Someone like Badou Jack is more the kind of fighter we want to talk to.”
Jack, the 41-year-old Swede and current WBC cruiserweight champion, could offer another viable and lucrative — title shot.
