Jake Paul’s Ambitious Boxing Journey
In August of 2021, Jake Paul, the controversial YouTube star turned boxing enthusiast, unveiled an ambitious list of fighters he aimed to face as part of his professional boxing endeavor. Having ventured into the ring three times at that point, Paul had managed to knock out notable figures including fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, NBA athlete Nate Robinson, and retired MMA star Ben Askren. His initial aspirations, outlined in what many considered a fantastical “hit list,” resembled a child’s fantastical request for unattainable gifts on Christmas morning.
Proving the Critics Wrong
Despite the skepticism surrounding his list—including names like Conor McGregor and Canelo Alvarez—Paul has steadily checked off many of his chosen opponents, proving critics wrong and marking significant achievements in the sport.
“People in my circle believed in my potential, and as long as I kept winning and drawing crowds, I knew big fights would follow,”
Paul remarked to ESPN. Recently, however, plans for a scheduled match against Gervonta “Tank” Davis were scrapped due to legal troubles Davis faced from a battery lawsuit, leaving Paul to reconsider his next steps.
New Challenges Ahead
In this evolving landscape, Paul has already faced off against notable fighters like Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz, and Tommy Fury, while also securing victories against former UFC competitors, expanding his portfolio in the boxing realm. Now, with a majority of his initial goals achieved, he is setting new challenges to keep his career trajectory on an upward path.
Paul dispensed insights about his new targets in a recent discussion with ESPN, expressing a desire to challenge elite opponents, including Terence Crawford—who recently defeated Canelo for the super middleweight title.
“That would be a megafight,”
Paul emphasized, recognizing Crawford’s status as a premier fighter. However, sources suggest that the odds of Crawford engaging with Paul are slim, due to the champion’s focus on his legacy rather than lucrative bouts.
Potential Showdowns
The prospect of a showdown with KSI, a fellow YouTuber turned boxer, has been floated for years, particularly as KSI previously faced Paul’s older brother, Logan, in two fights. While KSI has stepped back from the ring after suffering a loss to Tommy Fury in 2023, Paul remains doubtful about the feasibility of this fight occurring, despite his promoter Nakisa Bidarian’s insistence on its potential financial viability.
Additionally, Paul seems keen to step into the octagon with MMA talent, particularly eyeing a fight with Alex Pereira. Preliminary discussions have taken place regarding this matchup, which could serve as a pivotal showdown showcasing Paul’s progression by taking on a seasoned MMA fighter.
Weakening his list are the names of heavyweight titans such as Anthony Joshua, though the British fighter’s recent injury and surgery may delay any prospective matchup. Paul’s competitive spirit is particularly stoked by his controversial loss to Tommy Fury, which he seeks to rectify, despite negotiations facing hurdles due to Fury’s financial expectations.
Further diversifying his targets, Paul is considering a mixed martial arts bout with boxer Oleksandr Usyk, who has expressed his own desire to engage Paul in the cage. Usyk’s shifting career focus might provide a unique platform for Paul to display his versatile fighting skills.
Lastly, the prospect of a clash with Canelo Alvarez, who recently signed a lucrative deal after his loss to Crawford, lingers in the background as both fighters have shown interest in a potential fight. Paul is keenly aware that a rumble against former rival Ryan Garcia also looms, a pairing that could attract massive media attention given their significant followings and past disputes.
Conclusion
As Jake Paul continues his evolution in the boxing world, his new hit list reveals his ambitions and sets the stage for thrilling bouts in the foreseeable future, prompting fans and critics alike to stay tuned for what comes next in his burgeoning career.
