Boxing champion makes bold Jake Paul title prediction
Shakur Stevenson, who fights William Zepeda this weekend, had high praise for the progress Jake Paul has made as a professional boxer.
Jake Paul continues to gain ground in his boxing career. Fresh off a dominant win over Julio César Chávez Jr., the “Problem Child” is gearing up for his next challenge - and he’s catching the attention of some of the sport’s top names.
“I could see him becoming a world champion”
Shakur Stevenson, who’s set to defend his WBC lightweight title against Mexican contender William Zepeda this Saturday, had high praise for the YouTuber-turned-boxer during an interview with Ariel Helwani this week.
“I think Jake has got tremendously better from the timeframe that he started until now,” Stevenson said. “And in the right situation, I could also see him becoming a world champion.”
One possible opponent for Paul is Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, the current WBA and WBO cruiserweight titleholder. Stevenson weighed in on that potential matchup.
“I’m not the biggest ‘Zurdo’ fan, [but] yeah it is [a big jump for Paul],” the 28-year-old said. “I mean, ‘Zurdo’ has been boxing for a long time.
“[But] I think ‘Zurdo’ is the better fight for him than Badou Jack. I wasn’t impressed with his [Ramírez’s] last fight. And I just know, Badou Jack, even those he’s old, he’s got a lot of experience and he knows how to win.”
Throws down Davis challenge
As for a possible showdown between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis? Stevenson didn’t hold back, describing it as a “terrible” idea - before throwing his own name into the mix as a potential opponent for Davis.
“From what I’m hearing, he could make more money in a fight with me,” Stevenson said. “If that’s the case, why not fight me?
“Do I think he beats Jake? Yeah. It is [a huge size advantage for Paul] but I think ‘Tank’ has got the skills to make sure he comes out on top.”
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