Roy Jones Jr., one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters, has put his name forward as a potential opponent for YouTube-turned-boxer Jake Paul, following Paul’s recent victory over Mike Tyson. The former world champion, known for his dominance across multiple weight classes, has expressed an interest in stepping into the ring with the 27-year-old Paul, despite not having engaged in formal discussions about a fight.

Jones, who famously fought Tyson in a high-profile exhibition match in 2020, could be the next big-name boxer to challenge Paul, who has quickly become one of the most polarizing figures in the sport. Paul’s controversial victory over Tyson in an eight-round decision on November 15th, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has sparked intense debate about who should face him next. The event, streamed on Netflix, reportedly drew more than 100 million viewers worldwide, solidifying Paul’s place in the spotlight.

Though Jones, now 55, has not yet spoken to Paul or his promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, about a potential bout, he has made it clear that he’s open to the challenge. In an interview with Boxing Scene, Jones acknowledged the physical similarities between himself and Paul, saying, “I’m not really a full-fledged heavyweight, but I probably weigh what he weighs right now. It wouldn’t be hard to match his weight, I guess. They do catch weights, so I’m sure we could figure out the right weight.”

Despite his age and the physical limitations that come with it, Jones is confident in his ability to defeat Paul. However, he acknowledges the challenge posed by Paul’s size and power. “It would be very difficult to pick him apart because he is so powerful and big,” Jones admitted. “He has power and is a dangerous puncher. I would beat him, I’m sure, but you would have to be on your A-game all night, especially at my age.”

Jones’s comments underscore the ongoing intrigue surrounding Jake Paul’s boxing career. Despite criticisms about Paul’s opponents, including accusations that he has feasted on athletes from other sports and past-their-prime MMA fighters, Paul’s popularity continues to soar. After facing Tyson, Paul is left with a long list of fighters calling him out, including Jones, who believes he could offer Paul a legitimate challenge.

After his victory over Tyson, Jake Paul finds himself at a crossroads in his boxing career. The question now is: Who will be his next opponent? Paul has drawn criticism for taking on aging fighters and athletes from different sports, but his willingness to face opponents with experience in the ring has earned him a dedicated following, as well as widespread media attention. Despite being a novice in boxing, Paul has consistently used his online persona and promotional prowess to make waves in the sport.

However, as Paul’s boxing career progresses, he will have to face tougher and more legitimate challenges. Many are now calling for him to face a world-class boxer, and some within the sport have even suggested that a world title shot could be on the horizon. One of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies recently floated the idea of sanctioning a world title fight between Paul and former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who recently lost to Anderson Silva in a crossover bout. Though Chavez Jr. would undoubtedly be Paul’s toughest test to date, the general consensus is that the 58-year-old fighter, who has struggled in recent years, remains a beatable opponent.

Jones himself also commented on the potential for Paul to fight a world champion, saying that while Paul’s rise has been meteoric, he would need to continue facing fighters with real experience to prove his legitimacy as a contender.

For Jake Paul, the path ahead is filled with possibilities, but each comes with its own set of challenges. The fighter has already proven himself to be a shrewd businessman, generating massive pay-per-view revenue through his bouts, but as the criticism grows, Paul will likely need to step up his competition to retain his position in the sport. A fight with a seasoned fighter like Roy Jones Jr. would be a massive step in that direction, providing Paul with an opportunity to prove that he belongs in the ring with boxing’s elite.

However, Paul’s next move will likely be a balancing act between fighting seasoned boxers and maintaining his mainstream appeal. He has built a large fan base, but in order to continue to thrive in the boxing world, he will need to step up his level of competition and face opponents who can truly challenge him in the ring.

As for Roy Jones Jr., while his age and physical limitations might make him an underdog in a fight against the younger, more powerful Paul, his pedigree as one of the sport’s greats cannot be dismissed. A showdown between Jones and Paul would no doubt capture the attention of fans around the world, making it a potential blockbuster in the making.

As the boxing world continues to evolve and Jake Paul’s career progresses, one thing is certain: the conversation surrounding his next fight is only just beginning. Whether it’s Jones, Chavez Jr., or another big-name opponent, the eyes of the boxing world will remain fixed on Paul as he seeks to prove his place among the sport’s best.