Jake Paul has officially entered the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) cruiserweight rankings, marking a pivotal step in the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s unlikely journey toward a world title.
The WBA placed Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) at No. 14 in its latest rankings, released late Monday night — just two days after the 27-year-old secured a unanimous decision win over Julio César Chávez Jr. in Anaheim, California. Chávez, 39, had only fought once in the past four years.
The new ranking makes Paul eligible to challenge for a world title, potentially setting up a bout with WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, who successfully defended his title in the co-main event on the same card in Anaheim. While no agreement has been reached, the two fighters exchanged a tense face-off at the post-fight press conference, sparking speculation of a possible showdown.
“I want tougher fighters. I want to be a world champion,” Paul declared after the fight. “Zurdo looked slow tonight. That’d be easy work, too.”
The WBA’s decision to include Paul in its top 15 has stirred conversation throughout the boxing world. While the move represents a major milestone for a former Disney Channel star who only took up boxing seriously in 2019, critics argue that Paul’s ranking reflects his immense commercial appeal more than his in-ring résumé.
Unlike traditional sports rankings, sanctioning bodies like the WBA have wide discretion in how they compile their lists — often prioritizing fighters who can generate substantial pay-per-view revenue and fan interest.
Paul has rapidly become one of boxing’s most bankable stars, drawing millions of views and massive gate revenues. His bouts, often criticized as “circus fights” early on, have gradually become more legitimate, culminating in Saturday’s victory over a seasoned former world champion.
Should Paul face Ramírez next, it would mark a significant shift in perception — from sideshow attraction to legitimate world title contender.
