Jake Paul returned to the ring this weekend, scoring his ninth victory, sixth by stoppage, against former UFC fighter and bare knuckle boxer Mike Perry.

The headline from the fight was Perry’s durability more than anything else, being dropped in the first round and surviving until the eighth when he was knocked out. He is the fifth MMA fighter on the YouTuber-turned-fighter’s record.

Paul’s last two bouts came against inactive boxers in Andre August and Ryan Bourland and both ended in first round stoppages. His test against Tommy Fury, a legitimate cruiserweight, is his only loss.

Despite now having a controversial bout scheduled with former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, 58, Paul has also been given a glimmer of hope in terms of his world title dreams.

Taking to social media post-fight, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza said:

“Big congratulations to Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions on the show but also on the new fresh and innovative perspective you offer to the sport of boxing! Love what you do!”

“I am not against a Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr for a championship…”

Chavez Jr – who has had considerable issues outside of the ring – also fought on the card, beating Uriah Hall by decision after close to three years away from the sport. It was a lacklustre performance and Chavez Jr’s call out of Paul post-fight drew boos from the crowd.

Neither man ranks in the WBA top fifteen. The sanctioning body – one of four majors – will likely create a new belt for the occasion should Paul be keen. The current world champion is Gilberto Ramirez, and it also has a Gold Champion in Firat Arslan.

The response to Mendoza’s post was overwhelmingly negative.