Jake Paul is setting ambitious goals in the boxing world, eyeing a shot at the cruiserweight world title by 2025. The YouTube sensation turned professional boxer is scheduled to face American MMA fighter Mike Perry in Florida on July 20, following a postponement of his highly anticipated bout with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson to November 15 due to Tyson’s medical scare during a flight to Los Angeles.
Known by his ring moniker “The Problem Child,” Paul has predominantly faced non-boxers in his ten professional fights, with Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, being his only bout against a professional boxer. Despite this, Paul exudes confidence in his ability to capture a world title within the next year. In an interview with ESPN, he stated, “I believe by 2025 I will likely be a world champion. I feel ready for it in the coming months and I’m aiming for that in 2025.”
Paul’s professional boxing career has seen him fluctuate in weight classes, ranging from 185 lbs up to cruiserweight. However, for his anticipated clash with Tyson, he intended to compete in the heavyweight division, bulking up to 230 lbs before the fight was rescheduled. Paul acknowledges that his natural weight class is around 200 lbs, but believes cruiserweight is where he truly excels. “Cruiserweight is where my body feels most comfortable. I don’t generate the same power or impact at lower weight classes,” Paul revealed.
As of now, the reigning champions holding the four cruiserweight world titles are Chris Billam-Smith (WBO), Gilberto Ramirez (WBA), Norair Mikaeljan (WBC), and Jai Opetaia (IBF). Despite his aspirations, Paul is not currently ranked within the top 15 of any major sanctioning body, indicating he has significant ground to cover before being considered for a world title opportunity.
Following his loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023 via split decision, which saw Fury enter the WBC rankings at No. 39, Paul rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over MMA icon Nate Diaz and two first-round knockout wins against boxing veterans Andre August and Ryan Bourland.
Paul’s journey in boxing continues to capture attention, blending athleticism with controversy and propelling him towards his ambitious goal of becoming a world champion within the next few years.
