Jake Paul’s cruiserweight classification in doubt

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ranked YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul as the 14th-best cruiserweight after his victory over Julio César Chávez Jr. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The decision sparked controversy, and all signs suggest the WBA may now be reconsidering it.

According to Ring Magazine, the WBA will review Paul’s placement in the cruiserweight rankings during its European convention in Madrid, Spain, from July 15 to 18. The 200-pound division is currently led by WBA and WBO champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez, IBF and Ring titleholder Jai Opetaia, and WBC champion Badou Jack.

Since turning professional in January 2020, Paul has yet to face a consistently ranked opponent. Most of his fights have been against retired mixed martial artists, including Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz.

His only bouts against established boxers have been against Tommy Fury—who defeated Paul—Mike Tyson, who was 58 at the time, and Chávez Jr., whose career has declined significantly since his 2017 loss to Canelo Álvarez.

Twelve fighters currently sit above Paul in the WBA cruiserweight rankings: Leonardo Mosquea, Lenar Pérez, Aloys Youmbi, Mike Pérez, Arsen Goulamirian, Yuniel Dorticos, Umar Salamov, Chris Billam-Smith, Roman Fress, Aleksei Egorov, Aleksei Papin, and Giovanni Cristian Scuderi.

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