Paul had his first pro-boxing bout in 2020 and has mostly fought ex-MMA fighters Jake Paul has been placed at 14 by the WBA in its latest cruiserweight rankings, a move that edges the American closer to a controversial world title shot. The YouTuber-turned-boxer outpointed former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a 10-round contest in Kansas onSaturday, securing the 12th victory of his professional career. A top-15 ranking makes the 28-year-old boxing novice now eligible to challenge unified world champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, who holds both the WBA and WBO titles. Paul has become a polarising presence in boxing, gaining fame through social media and largely facing former MMA fighters in a boxing ring. His only defeat came against former Love Island star Tommy Fury in2023. InNovember, Paul beat a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on points in the much-hyped contest. Paul cruised past Chavez Jr, once a WBC middleweight champion but now far removed from his prime after years of struggles with weight, discipline, and motivation. But his ranking is likely to frustrate many within the sport, with traditionalists critical of a fighter with limited experience leapfrogging more established contenders. After his win, Paul called out British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, lightweight world champion Gervonta 'Tank' Davis. He later posed in a face-off with Mexican Ramirez backstage. Ramirez, 33, extended his record to 48 wins with one defeat after defending his WBA title on the Paul-Chavez card by outpointing Yuniel Dorticos. He also holds a win over Britain's former world champion Chris Billam-Smith. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said prior to the bout that Paul could also be considered for a ranking with their organisation if he defeated Chavez Jr. The WBC has yet to release its updated rankings, but a top-15 position would make Paul eligible for a title shot under their rules.
Paul edges closer to world title shot with WBA ranking
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"Jake Paul Achieves WBA Ranking, Moves Closer to Title Shot"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-professional boxer, has made significant strides in the boxing world after being ranked 14th in the latest WBA cruiserweight rankings. This ranking positions him closer to a potential title shot against unified world champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, who currently holds both the WBA and WBO titles. Paul secured this ranking following a decisive victory over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a 10-round match, which marked his 12th win in professional boxing since he began his career in 2020. Despite being a relatively new entrant in the sport, Paul has gained notoriety for his choice of opponents, primarily ex-MMA fighters, and his ability to generate buzz through social media. His only professional loss came against Tommy Fury earlier in 2023, and his recent win against the aging Chavez Jr further solidifies his claim within the sport, even as critics question the legitimacy of his rapid ascent through the rankings.
Paul's ranking has sparked controversy among boxing purists, who argue that a fighter with limited experience should not surpass more seasoned contenders. After his latest victory, Paul expressed interest in challenging notable boxers such as Anthony Joshua and Gervonta 'Tank' Davis. He also engaged in a face-off with Ramirez, who successfully defended his title on the same card as Paul’s bout. Ramirez, with an impressive record of 48 wins and only one loss, has been a dominant force in the cruiserweight division. Additionally, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman indicated that a victory over Chavez Jr could lead to Paul being ranked by the WBC as well, which would further enhance his title shot prospects. The WBC's updated rankings are awaited, and a position in their top-15 would align with the potential for Paul to challenge for a title under their guidelines. As the boxing community continues to debate the implications of Paul's rise, his next steps will be closely monitored by fans and critics alike.
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