Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned professional boxer, has undeniably become one of the biggest names in boxing, whether fans embrace it or not. Recently, he participated in a controversial fight against 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. While the bout, streamed to an estimated 100 million viewers on Netflix, generated significant attention, it failed to meet expectations. Tyson, clearly showing his age, allowed Paul to secure a dominant points victory with relative ease.
Now, speculation grows around Paul’s next opponent. At just 27 years old, the novice pro has drawn interest from numerous established world champions willing to defend their titles against him. Possible challengers include light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez, and even IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. Despite this, Paul’s most anticipated potential matchup remains with Floyd Mayweather Jr., an all-time great and former five-weight world champion.
Mayweather, who fought Jake’s brother Logan Paul in a 2021 exhibition bout that ended without a declared winner, has previously commented on Jake’s abilities. In a resurfaced interview with TMZ, Mayweather offered praise but issued a warning. He acknowledged Paul’s skill in promoting himself and drawing attention but suggested his success might falter against seasoned boxers.
“Jake Paul is doing well for what he’s doing now,” Mayweather said. “But when it’s time to face a true professional fighter, it won’t end well. He’s entertaining, making good money, and selling the fights, which I respect. However, as long as he sticks to facing MMA fighters and other influencers, he’ll continue to shine. The moment he steps in the ring with a real, skilled boxer, things will get difficult.”
Regarding a potential professional bout against Paul, Mayweather expressed interest despite the significant weight difference between them. He noted that Paul once stated he only wanted real fights and not exhibitions, adding that he’d be willing to compete at his current weight to make the fight happen.
Whether Paul continues to fight unconventional opponents or steps up against established boxers, his ability to draw massive audiences and stir debate cements his status as a prominent, albeit polarizing, figure in modern boxing.
