The boxing world continues to watch with a mix of fascination and skepticism as internet phenomenon Jake Paul carves out his unique path in the sport. The latest development? A confirmed return to the squared circle before the close of 2024, a move explicitly aimed at furthering his improbable quest for a legitimate world championship.
Paul, currently holding a position at number 14 within the World Boxing Association`s rankings, is making a concerted effort to transition from crossover spectacle to recognized contender. This ranking places him, technically, within range of challenging the likes of WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez. Indeed, a face-off with `Zurdo` after a shared fight card last month seemed to signal his intentions, laying groundwork for a potential clash.
However, the path to a world title, even one seemingly close in the rankings, is rarely straightforward. Reports indicate the WBA may be placing Paul`s ranking under review, adding a layer of administrative intrigue to his sporting ambitions. Compounding this, Paul himself appears to be casting his gaze towards a different crown – specifically, the WBC Cruiserweight title currently held by the seasoned veteran Badou Jack.
The Confirmation from Within the Camp
Confirmation of Paul`s late-year comeback comes directly from Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the promotional outfit behind Paul`s boxing ventures. Speaking recently on the Ariel Helwani show, Bidarian outlined the clear objective driving the return.
“Absolutely 100 per cent,” Bidarian stated when queried about a 2024 fight, targeting a November or December timeframe. While an opponent remains unconfirmed, the strategic imperative is clear: the next bout must serve as a stepping stone toward Paul`s ultimate goal – a world title opportunity.
According to Bidarian, the pursuit of a championship belt “as soon as possible” is the “real critical factor.” This ambition seemingly overrides immediate opponent considerations, though finding the right match to advance this specific agenda is paramount.
Targeting a Title: Ambition Meets Reality?
Jake Paul`s declared ambition to become a world champion marks a distinct phase in his boxing career, moving beyond celebrity opponents towards sanctioned recognition. His engagement with governing bodies, including the WBA ranking derived partly from his bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (a fight reportedly pursued after a high-profile crossover bout with Canelo Alvarez fell through), suggests a commitment to this more traditional route.
His apparent preference for challenging Badou Jack is noteworthy. Jack, a respected champion with a history primarily in super-middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions, is currently campaigning at Cruiserweight and is entering his early forties. For Paul`s detractors, targeting a veteran champion like Jack might be viewed through a critical lens – another strategically selected opponent perhaps. For Paul and his team, it represents an opportunity to challenge for a major belt against a recognized name.
The immediate challenge to a Jack fight this year, however, appears to be Jack`s existing commitments, specifically a mandatory rematch following his recent title victory. This illustrates the practical hurdles of navigating established boxing hierarchies and mandatory challenger statuses – a far cry from the more self-contained world of crossover bouts.
Despite the potential obstacles and the differing opinions on his trajectory, Paul remains outwardly focused on his stated goal. “I want tougher fighters, I want to be world champion,” he declared after his last outing, even if the list of names he mentioned in that moment spanned multiple weight classes and levels of experience, from Gervonta Davis to Anthony Joshua and his familiar rival Tommy Fury.
As November and December approach, the identity of Jake Paul`s next opponent remains a key question. But the strategic intent behind the fight is now clearer than ever: it is intended as the next calculated step on the unconventional, yet determined, march towards a boxing world championship.
