Jake Paul believes he can be a world light-heavyweight champion in three years. WBN looks at whether that’s a viable task for the YouTuber.
The vlogger’s record stands at 5-0. At a rate of two fights per year, Paul will aim to challenge one of those holding the four titles by the time he reaches 11-0.
In three years, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, the current rulers, could be out of the firing line.
Jake Paul
Bivol will be 34 by then and possibly at cruiserweight. At the same time, Beterbiev will be forty and potentially retired, having knocked out every opponent he’s ever faced.
So, where does Jake Paul fit into the division? – At present, he doesn’t. Not until he gets past Hasim Rahman Jr.
If that mammoth undertaking somehow gets maneuvered, Paul will have to begin building himself a ranking.
World Champion
World Boxing News looks at five fighters Paul could come across in his bid to become a world champion at 175.
Having told ESPN First Take his “goal is to be the light heavyweight champion of the world in three to four years. To fight the biggest names in the sport,” the former Disney star will have to face some decent opposition along the way.
Hypothetically, there are five Paul could come up against by 2025.
Dilmurod Satybaldiev
At 13-2 and 28 years old, the Russian is highly rated and potentially on his way to a world title shot. It would be a tough ask for Paul, though.
Joshua Buatsi
Buatsi would be a massive favorite against Jake Paul, an Olympic medalist and undefeated as a pro.
Ali Izmailov
Another Russian star, Izmailov is a big puncher and maybe another for Paul to avoid.
Bektemir Melikuziev
An Uzbek dangerman, Melikuziev is tipped for future honors. Paul facing him would be a terrible decision.
Vasily Voytsekhovsk
Yet another Russian, Voytsekhovsk, could be the weaker of the bunch but would still be a massive favorite against Paul.
In a nutshell, Paul faces the daunting challenge of getting anywhere near the light-heavyweight world championship.
It doesn’t stop him from dreaming, though.
“I’m going to keep on progressing each time and getting harder and harder fights,” Paul told ESPN’s First Take.
“The celebrity and basketball stuff, that’s sort of in the past. [boxing’s] my life.
“I don’t do anything else besides work on boxing from the time I wake up; it’s a morning practice.
“It’s yoga; it’s meditation, it’s film work. It’s talking with my coaches for hours on end about game plans and strategies.
“I’m eating raw liver. I’m eating bone marrow. I’m doing every single thing I can to maximize my becoming the best boxer possible.
“I know a lot of people are gunning for me. I know a lot of people want to see me lose.”
Jake Paul vs Rahman
On facing Rahman in another Showtime PPV, Paul added: “If anything in the sparring session, he got the better of me. But that was two years ago.
“I believe in the past two years I’ve worked harder than him. So that’s where the confidence comes from – now, I can beat him.”
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
