Jake Paul’s WBC Ranking Aspirations
Jake Paul’s ambition to secure a ranking within the WBC cruiserweight category following his victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has not materialized. The latest update from the World Boxing Council revealed that he does not appear in the organization’s rankings at all. Despite Paul’s assertion that a win against the former middleweight champion would guarantee him a position, the recent rankings show him absent from both the top 15 and even the broader list of 40 fighters, released two weeks post-fight.
Match Overview
In a match held in Anaheim, California, Paul managed to outpoint Chavez Jr. over ten rounds, which he believed would lead to recognition by traditional boxing sanctioning bodies like the WBC. Initially, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had hinted at the possibility of considering Paul for a ranking opportunity. However, the council ultimately denied him a spot, even among lesser-known fighters such as Veljko Raznatovic and Tristan Kalkreuth, who are included in the updated rankings.
Reactions from the Boxing Community
This decision might resonate positively with devoted boxing aficionados, especially given that Paul is currently ranked #14 by the WBA, a status that remains while a formal review is pending. Craig Parker, the boxer whom Paul displaced on the WBA list, shared his insights in a recent exclusive interview with World Boxing News. He clarified that he and his team chose not to file any complaints about Paul’s ranking but voiced support for other fighters who shared similar sentiments.
Parker expressed, “No, my team and I didn’t feel the need to do that. I spoke publicly not just for myself, but for a lot of boxers who felt the same way. I think if they put him there, then stand on it. That’s on them. Now it just gives him the chance to step in the ring with real fighters, guys like me who earned it the long way.”
Current Title Holders and Future Prospects
Currently, Badou Jack holds the WBC cruiserweight title, while Michal Cieslak is the interim champion. Prominent contenders in the division include Noel Mikaelyan, Ryan Rozicki, and Chris Billam-Smith, all of whom have established solid track records. Paul’s situation may serve as a wake-up call or could indicate that at least one organization remains committed to traditional meritocracy rather than social media fame. Absent any WBC International, Silver, or fringe titles in his immediate future, it looks like Jake Paul will continue to navigate prospects without a belt or a ranking.
About the Author
Phil Jay, a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years in the field, serves as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News and has extensively covered major events and interviews with champions across the boxing landscape.
