BREAKING: Boxing World Calls To BOYCOTT WBA For Ranking Jake Paul As Top 15 Cruiserweight

In a seismic uproar that threatens to reshape the boxing landscape, the boxing community has erupted in calls to boycott the World Boxing Association (WBA) following its controversial decision to rank Jake Paul at No. 14 in the cruiserweight division. The announcement, made public earlier this week after Paul’s unanimous decision win over Julio César Chávez Jr. on June 28, 2025, has sparked outrage among fighters, promoters, and fans, who see it as a blatant mockery of the sport’s integrity, igniting a movement that could see the WBA lose its credibility.

The backlash centers on Paul’s rapid rise to a top-15 ranking despite his limited experience, with a 12-1 record built largely against retired MMA fighters and aging boxers like Mike Tyson and Chávez Jr., who was far past his prime. The WBA’s move, which makes Paul eligible to challenge unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, has been labeled a cash grab, with critics arguing it prioritizes entertainment over merit. Veteran boxers and analysts have taken to the airwaves, with some calling the ranking “a disgrace to the sport,” pointing to Paul’s lack of competitive pedigree against world-class opponents.

The controversy gained traction as posts found on social platforms reveal a groundswell of discontent, with many questioning the WBA’s criteria. Fighters like Craig Parker, previously ranked No. 15 and now bumped to No. 16, have voiced frustration, claiming Paul’s inclusion undermines years of hard-earned rankings. Promoters and former champions are joining the chorus, with suggestions of a coordinated boycott to pressure the WBA into reversing its decision or overhauling its ranking system, which some argue has long favored lucrative matchups over fairness.

Ramírez, who defended his WBA and WBO titles against Yuniel Dorticos on the same card, has remained silent on the ranking but faces a potential bout with Paul that could draw massive pay-per-view numbers. Yet, the boxing purists see this as a step too far, with some threatening to withhold support from WBA-sanctioned events unless the organization addresses the outcry. The WBA has yet to respond officially, but the pressure is mounting as the sport teeters on the edge of a divisive schism.

This call to boycott could redefine boxing’s governance. If successful, it might force the WBA to reconsider its rankings or face a exodus of top talent to rival bodies like the WBC, IBF, and WBO. As the boxing world holds its breath, the outcome of this rebellion could either restore the sport’s honor or cement its transformation into a spectacle-driven enterprise.