Jake Paul Defeats Julio César Chávez Jr, Enters WBA Top 15 Amid Controversy
Jake Paul’s unconventional boxing career just took another dramatic leap.
After securing a decision victory over former world champion Julio César Chávez Jr., Paul has officially entered the WBA rankings, coming in at No. 14. The win, while notable on paper, has sparked heavy criticism from boxing purists and professionals alike.
Fight Recap: Paul vs. Chávez Jr.
In what was billed as Jake Paul’s toughest test to date, the fight against Chávez Jr. played out strangely. The former WBC middleweight champion appeared unmotivated and largely inactive, failing to throw any serious punches until the eighth round of a scheduled ten-round bout.
Paul capitalized on the lack of offense and cruised to a decision victory, improving his professional record to 12-1 (7 KOs). The bout may have added a recognizable name to his résumé, but the manner of the win left many questioning its legitimacy as a stepping stone in the rankings.
WBA Ranking Decision Draws Backlash
Shortly after the bout, the WBA placed Jake Paul at No. 14 in its cruiserweight rankings. The decision immediately came under fire from fans, fighters, and analysts who argue Paul’s path to recognition has been built more on spectacle than substance.
Critics point to the fact that most of Paul’s opponents have been aging former MMA fighters or athletes with little to no boxing pedigree. Meanwhile, rising talents like Viddal Riley, an undefeated boxer with extensive amateur credentials and multiple pro wins, remain unranked by the WBA.
Future Opponents: Gervonta Davis and Anthony Joshua?
Following the Chávez victory, Jake Paul’s next moves appear even more ambitious. He is now rumored to be in early talks to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a dominant lightweight champion. While the weight disparity makes the matchup questionable, Paul has never shied away from polarizing opponents.
Even more surprisingly, Paul continues to express interest in facing Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight showdown by the end of 2026. A fight of that magnitude would be a career-defining moment and a massive crossover event — though many still doubt whether Paul belongs anywhere near that level of competition.
Jake Paul’s climb into the WBA rankings marks a new chapter in his boxing career, but it also raises serious questions about merit, marketing, and fairness in the sport. While his win over Chávez Jr. boosts his profile, the backlash around his ranking shows that earning respect in boxing takes more than headlines — it takes opponents who fight back.
Whether Jake’s next steps involve Davis, Joshua, or another high-profile name, one thing is clear: the boxing world is watching closely, and not everyone’s impressed.
