Jake Paul’s latest venture into professional boxing has left the critics quiet (for now). On Saturday night in Anaheim, he cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Julio César Chávez Jr, landing 140 punches to Chávez’s 61. The judges had it 99–91, 98–92 and 97–93 — a fair reflection of a fight where Paul controlled the pace, looked composed, and outboxed a former world champion who once went 12 rounds with Canelo.
Now, with the WBC and WBA expected to slot Paul into their cruiserweight top‑15 rankings, the question is no longer if he’s serious. It’s what’s next — and is this for real?
Smoke and mirrors or something more?
Let’s get the elephant in the ring out of the way: Chávez Jr is not the same fighter he was a decade ago. BoxRec will tell you he’s got the pedigree, but recent performances — weight issues, inconsistent showings — have made him more of a gatekeeper than a real contender.
But Paul still had to go ten rounds with him. And he didn’t look out of place doing it.
With that win, he’s now legitimately knocking on the door of big fights. Not exhibitions. Not freak shows. Real fights.
Could Jake Paul fight Zurdo Ramírez or Badou Jack?
These are the names now being whispered. Zurdo Ramírez, the 48–1 Mexican southpaw who recently made waves up at cruiserweight, would be a huge test — a big, volume-punching machine with real championship-level experience, speaks for itself.
Then there’s Badou Jack, the former WBC cruiserweight champion. Jack’s getting older, but he’s savvy, durable, and still very dangerous. A bout with Paul would be a massive box-office draw — and Jack has already shown interest in crossover money fights.
But do these top-tier fighters take Jake Paul seriously enough to risk it all?
The business of boxing — and where Jake fits
Paul is a promoter’s dream. He brings eyes, clicks, casuals, and chaos. That means sanctioning bodies — especially the WBA and WBC — are happy to play ball. If he’s top-15, he’s eligible for eliminators. If he wins one of those? He’s in world title conversation.
This is no longer fantasy matchmaking. It’s plausible.
And let’s not forget, Paul’s always been clever with opponent selection. He moves up incrementally. He doesn’t rush. His team knows the business and understands how to build buzz without burning out.
So if you’re expecting him to call out Jai Opetaia tomorrow, forget it.
But a faded ex-champ like Jack or a slick but beatable contender outside the top five? That feels more in line with the Jake Paul strategy — box smart, maximise headlines, and keep building.
Fan sentiment: is the tide turning?
A year ago, hardcore fans laughed off the idea of Jake Paul being a ranked fighter. Now? They’re still sceptical — but they’re also watching. And that’s the point.
He’s not trying to win over everyone. He just needs to keep converting enough doubters into believers, one name at a time.
Let’s be clear: he’s not ready for the very top of the cruiserweight division. But he is ready for the conversation.
Final round: hype or hope?
So, is Jake Paul now a genuine cruiserweight contender?
It depends what you mean by “genuine”. If we’re talking world champion — he’s got a long way to go. But if we’re talking top-15 ranked fighter who can headline cards, draw numbers, and beat former champs like Chávez Jr? That’s already happened.
The next opponent will tell us everything.
Could Jake Paul hold his own against the likes of Zurdo Ramírez or Badou Jack — or is this just more smoke and mirrors?
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