Jake Paul beats Chávez Jr.: what’s next? Possible opponents for ‘The Problem Child’
After Jake Paul’s unanimous-decision win over Julio César Chávez Jr. on Saturday, the question now is: who will he fight next?
Jake Paul (12-1) secured a unanimous-decision victory over Julio César Chávez Jr. (54-7-1) in a high-profile bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
With the win, the conversation now shifts to what’s next for the YouTuber-turned-boxer - and who might be standing across from him in the ring next.
Paul set for title eligibility
Before the fight, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza told journalist Lance Pugmire that if Paul managed to defeat the son of the Mexican boxing legend, he would earn a spot in the WBA rankings and become eligible for a title shot against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez. Ramírez recently defended his title successfully against Yuniel Dorticos.
However, the Mexican champion has expressed interest in unifying titles and facing IBF and The Ring cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia instead.
Paul still mulling options
Following his win over Chávez Jr., ‘The Problem Child’ admitted he’s uncertain about his next move and hasn’t yet decided on his next opponent.
During the post-fight broadcast, Paul called out several world champions, including lightweight star Gervonta Davis, as well as cruiserweights Ramírez and Badou Jack.
But with Ramírez’s stance suggesting a title shot is less likely in the immediate future, Paul may need to turn his attention to other top contenders in the 200-pound division. The WBA’s No. 1 ranked cruiserweight is France’s Arsen Goulamirian, who boasts a 27-1 record with 19 knockouts.
Other notable names in the WBA’s top 10 include Cuban power-puncher Lenar Pérez, Russia’s Umar Salamov, Britain’s Chris Billam-Smith, and American veteran Joe Smith Jr.
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