Jake Paul: Credible Fighter Or Fail?

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After then beating both Tyron Woodley (twice), and MMA great Anderson Silva, Paul faced the first legitimate boxer in Tommy Fury (8-0), losing by SD in a sold-out Saudi crowd. Despite landing a knockdown in the final round of the eight, this fight to most highlighted Paul’s flaws against a legitimate boxer, as he struggled to land clean shots, relied too much on single and thudding shots, and struggled with head and foot movement. This fight may have slightly stained his record, but even more his credibility, as the public had now seen that he couldn’t cut it against a ‘true’ boxer.

Paul bounced with a UD win over another retired MMA fighter in Nate Diaz, and for the first time in his career, a win and KO over a legitimate boxer, though low-level, in Andre August. A demolishing of Ryan Bourland in round one of their March 2024 clash created a statement, before then beating another ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry in six. As for most of Paul’s fights, none of these performances truly cemented any sort of credibility as a boxer.

What about the Mike Tyson fight?

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In his most recent test, a full stadium of 70,000 people gathered in Texas for the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showdown. Whether you disagree with the length of the fight or the age, one can admit the show that was put on. If Jake Paul can rope in tens of thousands of people, for what is essentially an exhibition match, then why can’t he be a credible boxer and ticket-seller? I don’t see why not.

Yes, Mike Tyson was 56. Well, there was an age gap. It may have been unfair. But, every real boxing fan knows that ticket-sellers make fights. If a fighter makes more money, they’ll get better fights, eventually fighting better fighters, and becoming a promoter’s dream. Jake Paul ticks all these boxes. Why can’t he be credible for doing what every boxer needs to do?

Will the Chavez Jr. fight cement respect?

To many (myself included), if Jake Paul can defeat a former world champion in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., then I don’t see why he doesn’t deserve a spot in official world rankings. His record and lack of accomplishments/amateur background may not prove this. But, as we know, a good record, despite having weaker opponents, and a few credible wins against domestic boxers like August and Bourland, surely warrants at least a ranking. The WBC’s and WBA’s standpoint on handing Paul a ranking is reflective of this. His necessity is to now beat Chavez Jr., and preferably knock him out in emphatic fashion, to make a statement. If he loses, then realistically, his dream of a world championship is over. 

In terms of credibility, this fight is make or break. What do you think?

EXPERT OPINION

James ‘Buddy’ McGirt, former two-time World Champion:

“He’s good for boxing, and he still has a lot to learn. He’s picking the right opponents for himself, so it’s really hard to say, but he’s doing so much. I respect that he’s in the ring with real fighters now. When he steps up the competition, he’s gotta be ready for that. I respect he’s putting all into the game, but his quality of opponents doesn’t make him a force. I wish him nothing but the best. God bless.”

Evan Montegriffo, Professional Boxer:

“Jake Paul is a bum. I’d fight him for free”

Sherry Abbasi, Journalist:

“Of all influencers, Jake Paul has the most credibility. He has a liking for the sport and takes the sport seriously even if he doesn’t need to. He may have fought unproven fighters, but even in his loss to Fury, he still got a knockdown. Ultimately, with a highlight reel of KO’s. With honing his craft in the ring, and intelligence in picking good fights, Jake deserves credit. We’ll see this weekend if former WBC Middleweight World Champion, Chavez Jr. can put a dent in Paul’s ambitions for a respectable ranking in the WBC and WBA. Both of these are likely.”

Robert Warren, Promoter:

“Jake Paul wouldn’t live with real world class boxers in my opinion. I’ve been in boxing for 45 years, and when you watch these YouTube fighters, there’s something missing. They haven’t been through amateurs where they learn their craft, but good luck to them. It takes balls to step in the ring, but it still isn’t top notch. I look at say Moses Itauma, probably the best prospect I’ve seen, but he’s had to go through hard work and through amateur status to get where he is now. For me that is the difference.”