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Jake Paul now eligible to fight for unified world title

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By Joshua Ryan | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 2:12 PM ET

The latest WBA cruiserweight rankings update sees Jake Paul manoeuvre his way into the top 15, which in turn makes him eligible to compete for the unified world title in his division.

'The Problem Child' still has many doubters despite a stellar start to his career in the ring. The 28-year-old recently added another combat sports world champion to his resume in the shape of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., taking his tally of legit titleholders in their respective sports to six in just 13 professional bouts.

Love him or hate him, Jake Paul has had an astronomical rise to relevance as a boxer, and his run is likely nowhere near finished. Following his win on June 28, the Ohio-native has managed to force his way into the WBA world rankings.

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Paul has been stamped with the #14 ranking, but more good news was to follow. Now officially considered among the best in the world in his weight class according to the rankings, the influencer is now also eligible to compete for a WBA world title.

While his sights are firmly set on several other fighters, Canelo Alvarez and Anthony Joshua often being acknowledged, news of his World Boxing Association ranking debut could divert his vision.

World champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez is the man Jake Paul would need to beat should he be given the chance to capture the unified gold. The pair shared a card, both claiming unanimous decision wins this past Saturday, but Ramirez is a step above the competition Paul has faced thus far.

The Mexican has a sensational 48-1 record with a 62.5% knockout rate. His sole loss came against one of the greatest fighters of his generation, Dmitrii Bivol, in November 2022.

Speaking out against Gilberto Ramirez, Jake Paul took to the post-fight press conference to insert his name in the world title conversation.

"I want tougher fighters. I want to be world champion," Paul stated. "'Zurdo' looked slow as sh*t tonight, that'd be easy work too."

This article first appeared on MMA Weekly and was syndicated with permission.

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