Jake Paul names three potential opponents including Oleksandr Usyk
The 'Problem Child' is planning on a busy 2025 in combat sports providing he comes away from his upcoming clash with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr unscathed
Jake Paul has revealed three potential future opponents as the social media star continues to establish himself as a household name in combat sports.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer is scheduled to make his return to the ring next month against former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Paul has taken the world of boxing by storm since making his professional debut back in 2020. The 28-year-old was last seen back in action last November, defeating former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Providing the American comes away unscathed, it seems as if Paul is being linked with a host of big names, including Gervonta Davis - whom he was in negotiations to face but the clash was derailed after 'Tank' was ordered to face Lamont Roach. Both Davis and Roach are expected to go head-to-head again this summer following their draw earlier this year.
Despite the huge weight difference, Paul has revealed the he's working on a deal with 'Tank' behind the scenes. He told reporters on Wednesday night: "We're working behind the scenes to make that happen and obviously that's a fight where the fans are going to win. And it's going to be the biggest event of the year." When asked what weight they'd fight at, Paul replied: "We're working on it but it'd be an exhibition most likely."
As well as that, the young star is still planning to crossover to MMA in the near future. In January 2023, the 'Problem Child' signed a multi-fight deal compete in MMA under the PFL banner. As of yet, he is yet to make his debut in the SmartCage, but has promised that he will start training soon.
At the top of his MMA hit-list is none other than boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk - who is open to the fight. "Yeah, I want to be like Holly (Holm) here and test my skills in the cage,' he said when asked if he still plans to compete in MMA. 'That's something I'm super, super interested in, and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle. Nate Diaz is still ducking, but we would need to find the right opponent. [Oleksandr] Usyk, maybe.'
Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, jumped in and explained why the fight could happen. 'Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. They've been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that fight in 2026. So it's something that we definitely want to pursue.' Paul added: 'I haven't started any MMA training, so it would definitely be interesting. We are looking at 2026 for that as a possibility.'
Another name on Paul's list is WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack. Recently responding to a claim from Paul that he would win by KO, Jack said: "I never heard about that, whatever. It's a money fight. It's an easy fight and it's a money fight So, why not?" Regarding a clash with the cruiserweight star, the 'Problem Child' stated: "I'm super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening."
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