Jake Paul: Credible Fighter Or Fail?

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Jake Paul (11-1, 7KOs) faces Julio César Chávez Jr (54-6-1, 34KOs), in Anaheim, California on Saturday 27th June, live on DAZN.

With 28.4 million followers on Instagram, 20.9 million followers on Instagram, a huge fanbase and a ‘credible’ boxing career, Jake Paul has his eyes set on becoming a world champion boxer. Whether realistic or not, this is his aim. But, is it possible?

What did Jake Paul’s rise look like?

Paul made his professional boxing debut in Miami against fellow influencer AnEsonGib in January 2020, blasting the Brit out in the opening round. This was the first of three efficient stoppages, with Paul knocking out both basketballer Nate Robinson and former UFC flop Ben Askren within the first two rounds, in November 2020 and April 2021 respectively. As of this point in his career, with 3 wins and 3 stoppages, Paul still needed a real boxers’ name on his resume.

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After then beating both Tyron Woodley (twice), and MMA great Anderson Silva, Paul faced the first legitimate boxer in Tommy Fury (8-0), losing by SD in a sold-out Saudi crowd. Despite landing a knockdown in the final round of the eight, this fight to most highlighted Paul’s flaws against a legitimate boxer, as he struggled to land clean shots, relied too much on single and thudding shots, and struggled with head and foot movement. This fight may have slightly stained his record, but even more his credibility, as the public had now seen that he couldn’t do it against a ‘true’ boxer.

Paul bounced back into the ring with a UD win over another retired MMA fighter in Nate Diaz, and for the first time in his career, a win and KO over a legitimate boxer, though low-level, in Andre August. Paul then blasted out Ryan Bourland in round one of their March 2024 clash, before then beating another ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry in six. As for most of Paul’s fights, none of these performances truly cemented any sort of credibility as a boxer.

How about the Mike Tyson fight?

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A full stadium of 70,000 people gathered in Texas for Jake Paul’s first ‘test’, and Mike Tyson’s return. Whether you disagree with the length of the fight or the age, one can admit the show that was put on. If Jake Paul can rope in tens of thousands of people, for what is essentially an exhibition match, then why can’t he be a credible boxer and ticket-seller? I don’t see why not.

Yes, Mike Tyson was 56. There was an age gap. Maybe, it been unfair. But, every real boxing fan knows that ticket-sellers make fights. If a fighter makes more money, they’ll get better fights, eventually fighting better fighters, and becoming a promoter’s dream. Jake Paul ticks all these boxes. Why can’t he be credible for doing what every boxer needs to do?

Will the Chavez Jr. fight cement respect?

To many (myself included), if Jake Paul can defeat a former world champion in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., then I don’t see why he doesn’t deserve a spot in official world rankings. His record and lack of accomplishments/amateur background may not prove this, but a good record, despite having weaker opponents, and a few credible wins against domestic boxers like August and Bourland, surely warrants at least a ranking. The WBC’s and WBA’s standpoint on handing Paul a ranking is reflective of this. His only necessity now is to beat Chavez Jr., and preferably knock him out in emphatic fashion, to make a statement. If he loses, then realistically, his dream of a world championship is over.

In terms of credibility, this fight is make or break. What do you think?

EXPERT OPINION

Buddy McGirt, former two-time World Champion: “He’s good for boxing, and he still has a lot to learn. He’s picking the right opponents for himself, so it’s really hard to say, but he’s doing so much. I respect that he’s in the ring with real fighters now. When he steps up the competition, he’s gotta be ready for that. I respect he’s putting all into the game, but his quality of opponents doesn’t make him a force. I wish him nothing but the best. God bless.”

Evan Montegriffo, professional boxer: “Jake Paul is a bum. I’d fight him for free”

Sherry Abbasi, boxing journalist: "I believe of all the YouTubers/influencers who have given boxing a go since 2017/18 onward – Jake Paul has the most credibility. He seems to have taken a real liking to the sport and takes the sport seriously enough even though we know he really doesn’t need to. Also having a highlight reel of KO’s against combat sports athletes with serious credentials, albeit many moons ago, Jake deserves credit for committing time and effort to honing his craft in the ring and for his intelligence in picking recognisable names to fight fans and so far over delivering in his professional boxing career."

Robert Warren, promoter: "Jake Paul wouldn’t live with real world class boxers at his own weight in my opinion. I’ve been in boxing for 45 years, when you watch these YouTube fighters, you can tell there is something missing. They haven’t been through the amateur experience where they learn their craft, but good luck to them. it takes some balls just getting in the ring. but for me it’s not top notch. I look at say Moses Itauma, probably the best prospect I’ve seen in this country, you just know he is going to be something special but he’s had to go through a lot of hard work from amateur status to where he is now and to where he’s going. Right to the top."