Jake Paul Might Have A WBA Cruiserweight Ranking - But a Title Shot Is a Long Way Off & AJ Fight Will Never Happen

Jake Paul & Anthony Joshua?

Jake Paul’s WBA Cruiserweight Ranking: A Title Shot Is a Long Way Off

Jake Paul’s entry into the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) cruiserweight rankings has sparked much debate, especially after his recent victory over Julio César Chávez Jr. While some view this as a significant step toward a world title shot, others argue that he has yet to prove he deserves such an opportunity. In reality, the road to a meaningful title fight remains long and uncertain for the social media sensation-turned-boxer.

Is Jake Paul Ready for a Title Shot?

Paul's win over Chávez Jr. secured him a spot in the WBA cruiserweight rankings, where he now sits at No. 14. The victory itself, while impressive on the surface, has been heavily scrutinized by the boxing community. Chávez Jr. had been inactive for a while and didn’t show the form of his former self, leading many to question the legitimacy of Paul’s ranking. After all, ranking in a governing body like the WBA is not just about flashy wins and social media clout—it’s about facing top competition, proving skill, and earning every inch of the ladder.

Yet, here we are—Paul has earned a spot in the rankings, but he is far from earning a title shot. To put it simply, Paul is still a long way from proving himself against the world’s best, and a title fight would be premature at best.

Could a Fight with Ryan Rozicki or Badou Jack Be Paul’s Real Test?

While Paul’s ranking may seem like the gateway to a title fight, there’s a reason many in the boxing world are skeptical about his ability to handle the next level of competition. If he’s lucky enough to land a fight with someone like Ryan Rozicki or Badou Jack, it will be a true test of his skills—and it might be the first time Paul truly feels outmatched.

Ryan Rozicki, a Canadian cruiserweight known for his knockout power, has a record of 20-1-1 with 19 KOs. He’s ranked among the top in the division, and his punching power would give Paul all sorts of problems. Rozicki’s raw aggression and relentless pursuit in the ring would likely overwhelm Paul, who has yet to face such an intense and powerful opponent.

On the other hand, Badou Jack, the WBC cruiserweight champion, has been a fixture in the boxing world for years. Jack is a seasoned professional who has faced some of the toughest fighters around. A fight with Jack would likely be a nightmare for Paul. Jack’s well-rounded skill set, solid defense, and sharp counter-punching would leave Paul struggling to find any openings.

In both cases, Jake Paul would be stepping up in class. He may have shown improvement against Chávez Jr., but he still lacks the experience to compete with these high-caliber fighters who would punish any mistakes Paul makes.

Anthony Joshua: The Fight That Will Never Happen

The boxing world continues to talk about a potential fight between Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. On paper, this would be a massive spectacle, but in reality, it’s not something that should ever take place. The weight disparity between the two fighters is too significant, and the fight would be a “catastrophic mismatch,” as noted by many in the boxing community.

Jake Paul’s heaviest recorded weight is around 227 lbs, while Joshua routinely competes at 250 lbs or more. This disparity would put Paul at a severe disadvantage, both physically and in terms of experience. Joshua has proven himself against elite fighters in the heavyweight division, while Paul has barely scratched the surface in cruiserweight. A fight against Joshua could very well be dangerous for Paul, and promoters, trainers, and even Paul himself would be wise to avoid such a challenge for his health and career.

While the idea of Jake Paul fighting Anthony Joshua excites fans and the media alike, it’s a fight that’s unlikely to materialize. Both the weight difference and the gulf in experience make this a non-starter, and the risk of serious injury for Paul is simply too high.

A Long Way to Go for Jake Paul

Jake Paul’s rise in boxing has been filled with hype, and while he may have earned a ranking with the WBA, he’s far from ready for a title shot. Fighting the likes of Ryan Rozicki or Badou Jack would be a serious test, and despite the media attention around him, these seasoned fighters would pose a nightmare for Paul in the ring.

As for the talk of an Anthony Joshua fight, it’s nothing more than speculation. The reality is that Paul’s journey in boxing has a long way to go before he can even think about stepping into the ring with a fighter of Joshua’s caliber. In the meantime, he would do well to focus on facing fighters within his current reach before considering any title shots.