FOLLOWING his victory over Julio Cesar Chavez, Jake Paul has entered the top 15 of the world rankings. Paul is now eligible for a legitimate shot at a full world title in the cruiserweight division.
Paul, 12-1 (7 KOs), has been vocal in his ambition to prove his doubters wrong and achieve world honours at 200lbs. Recent whispers suggest that the YouTuber-turned-boxer could soon get his wish and face unified champion, Gilberto Ramirez, 48-1 (30 KOs).
On Saturday night, Paul and ‘Zurdo’ boxed on the same bill at the Honda Center in Anaheim, each claiming unanimous decision victories. ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez made his first successful defence since unifying the WBA and WBO straps.
Victory for Paul marked a second straight triumph over a former world champion, although the age, inactivity, and remaining abilities of both Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. severely dampen this accomplishment.
Nevertheless, the WBA have deemed Paul’s achievements in professional boxing enough to warrant a position amongst the top 15, entering at #14. The Ohio native is above Craig Parker, 20-0 (20 KOs), and below Italy’s Giovani Cristian Scuderi, 12-0 (5 KOs).
As a result, Paul is now eligible for a challenge for Gilberto Ramirez’s WBA cruiserweight world title, should Ramirez select him for a voluntary defence, as per the official WBA rules.
“Before the date by which he must commit to a defense of his title against a Mandatory Challenger or the next Leading Available Contender designated by the Committee, a World Champion may defend his title against any opponent rated by the Association in his category,” stated WBA documentation.
A lucrative meeting with Paul may persuade Ramirez to delay the much-demanded unification showdown against Jai Opetaia, with the Mexican already seeming interested in the prospect of taking on the 27-year-old.
However, Paul himself could opt to swerve the WBA route and await the ruling of the other sanctioning bodies, amid rumours that the WBC will also reward him with a top 15 rating.
