In a development that has stirred considerable debate within the combat sports community, Jake Paul, the polarizing figure known primarily for his online presence, has achieved a significant milestone previously dismissed by many critics. Following his recent performance, Paul has been formally recognized by one of professional boxing`s major sanctioning bodies, elevating his status in a manner few could have predicted.
The catalyst for this shift was his recent unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. While Chavez Jr., a former WBC middleweight champion, is widely regarded as being significantly past his prime and competing above his optimal weight class, the win nonetheless served as a formal entry point into the established structure of professional boxing.
Adding a layer of official validation to this unexpected trajectory, the World Boxing Association (WBA), one of boxing`s premier sanctioning bodies, formally included Paul in its cruiserweight rankings. Following a pre-fight commitment from WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, victory over Chavez Jr. secured Paul a position within the top 15 of the division.
Specifically, Paul now occupies the 14th spot in the WBA cruiserweight division. This ranking is more than just a number; it formally designates him as an eligible contender for a WBA world title opportunity, potentially as early as 2025. Given his substantial profile and commercial appeal, it is widely anticipated that Paul will not need to navigate the traditional arduous path through the rankings. His status likely positions him for a voluntary title defense bout against the current champion.
Who Holds the WBA Cruiserweight Crown?
The current custodian of the WBA cruiserweight title is Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. A seasoned professional boasting an impressive 48-1 record, Ramirez`s only professional defeat came against pound-for-pound elite Dmitry Bivol. Ramirez successfully defended his title on the same fight card where Paul secured his ranking, defeating Yuniel Dorticos over 12 rounds.
Intriguingly, Ramirez and Paul had a public face-off backstage following their respective victories, hinting at a potential future clash. While this encounter fuels speculation, Paul has also publicly expressed interest in high-profile matchups against other notable fighters, suggesting various strategic options may be under consideration for his next move after improving his professional record to 12-1.
Regardless of the opponent, Jake Paul`s official inclusion in a major boxing organization`s top 15 rankings marks a pivotal moment. What began for many as a curiosity, or even a `circus act,` has undeniably taken a step towards formal recognition within the sport`s often opaque and hierarchical structure. While debates about the legitimacy of his wins and opponents will persist, the WBA ranking provides a concrete, if perhaps controversial, metric of his progression.
