Latest news with #YouTuber-turned-boxer
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Anthony Joshua needed just three words when first asked about Jake Paul
Despite being very complimentary of Paul, it seems as if Joshua may face off against the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the ring next year Anthony Joshua showed his class when he was first asked about YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul four years ago. The pair met for the first time in Dubai three years ago and seemed rather cordial with each other. Paul had just started to make big waves in the sport of boxing and - after defeating former UFC champion Anderson Silva - decided to take a little holiday to the Middle East. As for Joshua, the Brit was in Dubai for training and a holiday. The YouTuber-turned-boxer trained with Joshua's friend Lawrence Okolie, and later played laser tag with the ex-champion. A year prior to their meeting, 'AJ' was asked for his thoughts about Paul and insisted he's 'great for boxing.' '[He's] great for boxing", the heavyweight said during an interview with IFL TV. "He's trying, zero amateur experience, throwing himself in the deep end. He'll probably learn a lot more than a lot of fighters, throwing himself in the deep end, putting himself under pressure. Good luck to him.' Recalling the meeting in Dubai, Paul said: "To me that means the most when the legends of the sport are like 'this kid's legit and what he's doing for the sport is great'. It's easy to get lost in the comments and in the sheep hating on you. But then there's guys like Roy Jones Jr, Evander Holyfield, Tyson, all these legends showing love. Even Tyson Fury, current active champions, or Anthony Joshua. I was just with him and he was singing praises; that to me means more [than online hate]. I haven't really seen [many boxing legends badmouth him]. Which I guess is kind of the tell-tale sign; if your peers respect you then that's the most important." Three years on from their link-up, the pair have now discussed a potential fight. Back in March, Joshua called the young American after the latter claimed he could beat him in a dust-up. Both fighters posted images of the phone call with the caption 2026, teasing a potential clash sometime next year. Initially, reports claimed that the pair would trade leather towards the back end of 2026. That said, Paul's promoter and business partner - Nakisa Bidarian - recently revealed that he is having discussions with Eddie Hearn and that the clash could happen a lot sooner than anticipated. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think the fight can absolutely happen. I'm looking at it as Jake versus Joshua, which is quite biblical, and it's quite impactful in many ways. I think size wise, we can get comfortable with it, and I think experience wise, Jake is learning very fast and growing, and Joshua is a little long in the tooth. So it could be a very interesting matchup, and we're actively discussing it with Matchroom. "I think we're looking at it happening at the start of 2026. It's public that AJ was taking a little time away, I think he had a little surgery. So once he's ready, and once Jake is ready, we're going to squarely focus on that. It's a fight that Jake wants to do, and that's a discussion we've had at length, and he feels very confident about where he is in his career and his chances of upsetting Anthony Joshua." When is Jake Paul's next fight? Paul is hoping to remain active following his dominant win over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Days after the victory, the 'Problem Child' was placed in the WBC's cruiserweight rankings. The 28-year-old's promoter revealed his business partner is keen on fighting for a world title 'as soon as possible'. However, he admits it is likely it won't happen next, given the current standings at 200lbs. "Absolutely [he will fight again this year]. November or December," Bidarian told Ariel Helwani when asked about Paul's next steps. "I'm seeing him tonight for dinner, and we will have a conversation [about his next opponent]. The only possibility right now is that Jake wants to fight for a belt as soon as possible. "I have to talk to him, I think it's tough this year [to box for a world title]. Badou Jack is who he wants to fight more than anyone, and he has a mandatory rematch with the guy he just beat [Noel Mikaelian] for the WBC. I don't know if this year is possible [for the title fight], but we'll see."
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'I found out I was ranked below Jake Paul... I was disgusted!'
Undefeated star Craig Parker has hit out at Paul after he was placed below the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the latest WBA cruiserweight rankings The only boxer ranked below Jake Paul has expressed his disgust after the YouTuber-turned-boxer was placed above him in the latest WBA cruiserweight rankings. Paul, 28, returned to the ring last weekend for the first time since defeating heavyweight legend Mike Tyson last November. The 'Problem Child' faced off against former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a cruiserweight showdown in Anaheim. The former middleweight champion appeared to be a mere shadow of his former self, with his lack of activity in the ring clearly affecting his performance. From the get-go, Paul dominated the fight before eventually securing a victory on points. Immediately after the match, the YouTuber-turned-boxer challenged several big names in the sport, including Anthony Joshua, Gilberto Ramirez, Badou Jack and Gervonta Davis. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Paul had been placed in the top 15 and now finds himself five spots below ex-world champion Chris Billam-Smith. The only fighter ranked below the 'Problem Child' is undefeated sensation Craig Parker, who boasts an impressive record of 20-0 - all wins by knockout, reports All Out Fighting. READ MORE: Tyson Fury mocks Oleksandr Usyk with new video after announcing trilogy fight Understandably, the American was livid following the update. In a chat with All Out Fighting, Parker shared his immediate reaction to the news. "I was getting up in the morning and the first thing I saw that popped up on my news feed was 'Jake Paul ranked No. 14 in the WBA.' I said 'that cannot be true?' Because I am ranked 14th by the WBA. It really felt like a low blow and a slap to the face. I really felt disgusted," an irate Parker expressed. "My recognition, my hard work... all of that stuff I have been doing over the years... sleeping on couches, getting up and running in the cold, running in the heat in the snow and the rain. Listen, we appreciate Jake Paul, the eyes that Jake Paul brings to boxing. We appreciate his platform from YouTube and then bringing celebrities to fight each other in the square ring. We really enjoy that. "But him being a boxer now? Him calling himself a 'boxer' and a 'solidified boxer'... no! He has not laid any ground work. He has not done nothing that we have had to endure to become what we are today. And to move me down and to put me at number 14, it was disgraceful. It was very hurtful. I was like 'if this is what God has got planned... because God does not make mistakes. If this is what God has planned, well this is what God has planned.' "But I know, Jake Paul has knocked on the wrong door and that is the door of Craig Parker. I am looking forward to hearing a call or hearing something back from him and let him know 'listen if you want to be solidified in boxing... you knocked on the wrong door this time.' But I am going to open it up and invite you in. Again, I felt disrespected. And I guess the guys who are working hard that are under me and above me felt disrespected too because we come from humble beginnings." He added: "For this guy (Paul) to come in and be recognised in the WBA by a sanctioned body and then turn around and talking about fighting for a world title... he is nowhere close to even thinking about being a world champion." The top American cruiserweight contender, eager to get back in the ring this September, is ready to face off with the social media sensation. The 34-year-old last stepped into the ring in April, delivering a devastating knockout to Phillip Penson. Parker's upcoming fight, scheduled in the UK, aims to elevate his international standing and ascend the rankings. Focused on his upcoming dust-up later this year, with an opponent yet to be confirmed, the fighter is determined to take down the 'Problem Child' in the near future. Parker exuded confidence when discussing a potential bout with Jake Paul, stating: "Four rounds. I have got to give him a couple of rounds because he is going to be in shape. But if I hit him in the chin, maybe the first round. But all the stuff with Jake Paul has come to a point where he knocked on my door... and I am ready to end the whole Jake Paul shenanigans. He has been putting out a lot of crap and I am ready to flush it. I am ready to end it all. If he wants to continue to box after me and him... if he is able to or if he wants to, that is all up to him. He can choose his own destiny." Parker didn't hold back in his assessment of Paul's boxing career, adding: "I believe it can happen and if he really wants to say he is a cruiserweight... because you have got to understand. Look who he is calling out! Anthony Joshua, Gervonta Davis, but when he fought a real cruiserweight, light-heavyweight... Tommy Fury is really a light-heavyweight. When he really fought a light-heavyweight, he got beat. Then, he goes to cruiserweight and he calls out Tommy Fury that probably is not a cruiserweight... but he is going to get beat again!". "Because he is not a real fighter. It takes a lot of hard work for this. Some of us have got to work a job and then go to the gym. Some of us have no way to get to the gym. We are walking, we are running. Some of us going to the gym on an empty stomach. We put in hours, we put in blood, sweat and tears on the canvas through sparring, through fights. "If he is ready to do everything to call himself that... can he? Yeah, if he has got the will and the desire and the dedication... can he do it? We never know what anybody's future is. But today, nowhere near close." After delivering a fiery tirade, Parker issued a final challenge to his adversary, expressing his eagerness to confront the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the ring. "You knocked on the door. I am inviting you in and I am ready to end it all. This is the end of Jake Paul's career."
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jake Paul enters WBA's cruiserweight rankings, making him eligible for title shot
Jake Paul reacts during his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul reacts during his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrives for his cruiserweight boxing match against Jake Paul on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul arrives for his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul celebrates after his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul celebrates after his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul reacts during his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul reacts during his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. arrives for his cruiserweight boxing match against Jake Paul on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul arrives for his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) Jake Paul celebrates after his cruiserweight boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jake Paul has entered the World Boxing Association's cruiserweight rankings, making the YouTuber-turned-boxer eligible to fight for a world title. The WBA slotted Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) at No. 14 in the latest edition of its rankings late Monday night, two days after Paul beat 39-year-old Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision in Anaheim, California. Advertisement The WBA's decision to rank Paul likely means the sanctioning body would allow him to fight WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramírez, who won his latest title defense in the penultimate bout in Anaheim. The fighters have not agreed to a deal, but Paul and Ramírez stared each other down during the post-fight news conference. 'I want tougher fighters. I want to be a world champion,' Paul said after outpointing Chávez, who had fought once in the previous four years. 'Zurdo looked slow ... tonight. That'd be easy work, too.' While Paul's ranking is a remarkable milestone for a social media behemoth and former Disney Channel star who only decided to become a boxer about six years ago, the WBA's decision reflects Paul's incredible financial potential more than his fighting resume. Sanctioning body rankings are determined internally, so they can be changed on a whim, or to meet an opportunity to collect a big fee by sanctioning a fight — and Paul has uniquely become the most financially potent boxer to emerge in many years. Advertisement Paul's previous opponents include fellow YouTubers, an NBA player, several mixed martial artists and 58-year-old Mike Tyson — not a path that would lead to world rankings and title shots for any fighter without Paul's fame and fortune. He took his only loss in 2023 against Tommy Fury — a relatively serious professional boxer, but nowhere near a title contender. Paul has called for a rematch, telling Fury to 'stop running from me.' Chávez was by far the most accomplished actual boxer to share the ring with Paul, but the former WBC middleweight champion fought listlessly and tepidly for all but the final two rounds in front of a Southern California crowd desperately rooting on its Mexican hero. Paul reiterated Saturday night that he has been ordered by God to become a world champion, and he spoke of several accomplished veteran boxers as his potential next opponent. Advertisement Ramírez (48-1, 30 KOs) would be Paul's first step up to world-class opposition. Zurdo is a former super middleweight champion and current cruiserweight powerhouse who beat Yuniel Dorticos by decision in Anaheim. Nakisa Bidarian, Paul's business partner, suggested Saturday night that Paul might be more likely to take a title shot against Badou Jack, the 41-year-old Swede who holds the WBC cruiserweight belt. 'The biggest issue with that (Paul vs. Ramírez) fight is Zurdo didn't show himself to be at all a promoter in this process,' Bidarian said. 'Why aren't we seeing more out of Zurdo? Why isn't he more engaged with the fans? Someone like Badou Jack is someone that we want to have a conversation with.' ___ AP boxing:
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Jake Paul leaks brutal message Anthony Joshua sent him after being goaded over KO… and calls for UK stadium fight
NO JOSHING Jake Paul leaks brutal message Anthony Joshua sent him after being goaded over KO… and calls for UK stadium fight ANTHONY JOSHUA warned Jake Paul to be careful for what he wishes for after sending him one last menacing message. The two have been exchanging back and forth messages in private after Paul called out the ex-heavyweight world champion earlier in the year. Advertisement 4 Jake Paul wants to fight Anthony Joshua in the UK Credit: Getty 4 Joshua and Jake Paul have exchanged words over DM Credit: Getty The YouTuber-turned-boxer even goaded AJ over his previous knockout losses - but Joshua warned what goes around comes around. Paul has not DM'd Joshua since his KO tease and told SunSport: "That was the last one. "He said, 'I can't wait to fight. you're gonna be fighting for your life and you'll know the feeling that I've gone through.' Or something like that." Paul started his boxing journey with an exhibition bout in Manchester against Deji - the brother to his arch YouTube rival KSI. Advertisement READ MORE IN boxing HEAT IS ON Inside Jake Paul's camp on £30m ranch where he almost FIRED his coaches The American has now been a professional five years and has a record of 11 wins and just one loss - coming against Tommy Fury in 2023. And Paul wants to return to the UK to fight AJ - dreaming of a stadium full of his most volatile detractors. He said: "My first fight was in front of an English crowd and it's rowdy. "I love walking into the lions' den and so me vs Anthony Joshua, 100,000 people chanting "f*** Jake Paul" would be pretty fun for me." Advertisement CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Joshua, 35, is yet to return since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has since had elbow surgery. Meanwhile, Paul's last fight was as controversial as it was commercially successful. He beat Mike Tyson over eight rounds when the heavyweight great made a comeback aged 58 with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix. Advertisement Now Paul, 28, returns TONIGHT against former middleweight champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, back down at cruiserweight. And he says a ranking with the WBC could await him with victory - putting him in line to challenge for Badou Jack's green and gold belt. Paul said: "I think it's back to the drawing board after this, especially depending on what the WBC and WBA rank me after I win. "If they rank me in the position where I can go for a world championship, then we're gonna try and get that done." Advertisement 4 Jake Paul returns against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Credit: Getty 4 Badou Jack could defend his WBC title against Jake Paul Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Jake Paul fight predictions as YouTuber takes on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
With just over a day to go until both Paul and Chavez Jr go head-to-head in the ring, many have offered their predictions for the cruiserweight showdown Ahead of Jake Paul 's blockbuster showdown with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, many big names have weighed in and offered their prediction for the dust-up. The pair are scheduled to go head-to-head in a cruiserweight showdown on Saturday night in Anaheim. Paul has not fought since defeating boxing legend Mike Tyson back in November. Despite failing to get the knockout, the YouTuber-turned-boxer scored a convincing victory on points. Chavez Jr ended a three years hiatus last July when he defeated former UFC star Uriah Hall. With over 60 professional bouts to his name, Chavez Jr has faced some big names in the sport of boxing, including Andy Lee, Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs. The 39-year-old is confident he can get the job done on fight night - but knows he is in for a tough night at the office. With just one more sleep until the clash, several names within the sport of boxing have given their official predictions for the cruiserweight contest. Speaking on his YouTube channel THE FIGHT, legendary trainer-turned-analyst Teddy Atlas gave one final insight. 'Yes he's [Chavez Jr] a former world champion, he earned that, he earned that himself, that's not from the father, but a lot of it is the father's name at this point," he said. "And with all the inactivity, all the lifestyle issues, everything else, I don't see Chavez winning, and with his past performances, you said it bud, he beat [Uriah] Hall, Hall was very competitive with him, I give credit to Hall, Hall looked pretty damn good I was impressed with the boxing ability of Hall who wasn't a boxer. Paul's gonna beat him. Paul doesn't pick guys so he'll look stupid, he picks guys so he can sell it, he picks guys that do have the chance to give some entertainment element and some competitive element, but all of these elements are picked to be in favour of Paul, again, what are you gonna do, get mad at him? 'For doing what anyone out there would do if they had the opportunity or the ability or the guts because it does take guts to put yourself out there the way Paul does, I don't care if you hate him or like him, it does. I don't care if you like what I'm saying or don't like what I'm saying because I'm saying what needs to be said, not based on any biases, not based on anything other than what the facts tell me. So, I like Paul to win the fight, I think it'll go the distance.' Boxing legend Timothy Bradley Jr also offered his opinion for the clash and is also backing Paul to win, stating: "I believe the difference in experience, Chavez's natural feel for the ring against Paul's ruthless, undeniable drive to prove himself could be the subtle decider of who wins So, can Chavez beat Paul? Absolutely. But I don't think he will." Another boxing great, Shawn Porter, offered a short and snappy prediction and believes Paul will get his hand raised. Speaking on The Porter Way Podcast, he said: 'I got Jake Paul by KO.' Roy Jones Jr will be a keen viewer this weekend and is also tipping the 'Problem Child' to win. In an interview with Slingo, he said: 'They know that he [Jake] beat Anderson Silva, and Anderson beat Chavez. So if he beat Chavez and Jake beat him, why should we think Jake won't beat Chavez? Styles make fights. 'People love bad losses or big money. Money is one thing, bad losing and a guy getting upset is another – people want to see that. It's intriguing, because we never know which Julio Chavez Jr will show up … I don't know if he takes it seriously any more. I think this is just a money grab for him, but if he came out and tried, he is capable of beating anybody. He was a pretty good boxer, he can upset anybody, if he comes out and tries, but he has done nothing lately to make the American public think that he is going to come out and try. I think Jake stops him in the fifth or the sixth round.' One individual who is fully backing Chavez Jr is fellow countryman, Canelo Alvarez. In an interview with Seconds Out, 'Saul' said: "Yeah [Chavez can win]. I obviously support Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I hope he wins. [If] he prepares himself really good and takes it seriously he beats him.' Two-time world champion Jose Luis Castillo called Paul a 'four-to-six round boxer' and advised Chavez Jr to 'use his savvy' to take down the social media star. In an interview with El Cinch, he revealed: 'Well, Jake Paul is basically a four- or six-round boxer. Julio has the experience; he hits hard. He's been knocked down, but he can take it. 'What he has to do is box a little smart and use his savvy. The longer the fight goes, the more it favors Julio. Maybe Julio's experience is what will help him pull through if he prepares well. A win for Chávez Jr. over Jake Paul would be like a gold bar falling in his lap. It would reopen doors for him in the boxing world.' Former two-time heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury recently picked his side ahead of the upcoming contest. 'Get up there, viva Mexico! All the best boys, I hope the training has gone well, and I hope Chavez is doing good," he said. "Can't do any more than train your b******s off in the gym and put the work in and go in there and get the job done. Man's a former WBC middleweight world champion, son of a legend, so he can do his best, that it, do your best, put on a show, go in there and get paid and get put of there, that's what I say. All the best, good luck.'
