Jake Paul has been accused of taking a “shortcut” in his goal to gain a boxing world title fight by a former champion. However, the ex-champ isn’t fully against him.
When Jake Paul first stepped into the boxing world, he was all about settling internet dramas. However, since he has gotten a little more serious about things, he’s been on the hunt for a world title.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has added some big wins to his almost perfect record. He’s beaten Andre August, Mike Tyson, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to build up some ranking points.
Jake received a ranking from the WBA following that win over Cesar Chavez Jr., putting him in a position to take on a title fight. However, while he hasn’t signed off on a big fight yet, he has been told he took a “shortcut”.
Former WBO champion unsure on Jake’s boxing ranking
That’s according to former WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith, who questioned the “merit” of Jake’s ranking.
“I have no issue with him getting ranked,” the Brit told The Independent. “Well, not no issue, but I just understand it. I have no issue with Jake Paul, because he’s obviously going to want to maximise everything for him.
“If he can take a shortcut because of his name and his fanbase, and the money he brings in, credit to him. He might not be there on a boxing level, but on a business level, he’s done really well. So we’ve got to respect that. But I think there has to be some merit in ranking him.”
As noted, Jake’s ranking with the WBA has got him in the conversation for title fights. He has apparently held talks with Badou Jack over a fight.