JAKE PAUL says he is in talks to fight TWO of the cruiserweight world champions – having ranked the title holders.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer – who only debuted as a professional in 2020 – has set his sights on challenging for 200lb gold after just 12 fights.
Jake Paul says he is in talks to fight for the cruiserweight world title[/caption]
WBA and WBO chamo Gilberto Ramirez fights on Jake Paul’s undercard[/caption]
WBC champ Badou Jack is open to a fight with Jake Paul[/caption]
IBF champ Jai Opetaia has no interest in Jake Paul[/caption]
Current WBA and WBO unified champ Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez returns on Paul’s June 28 undercard and WBC boss Badou Jack is also on his radar.
Australia’s pound-for-pound star and IBF holder Jai Opetaia is considered the best of the bunch – and Paul is in agreement.
He said: “Zurdo and Jai are probably tied for No1 and I would say Badou is No2.
“But all formidable opponents and we’re in conversations with Zurdo and also Badou as as potential fights for next year.”
Ramirez, 33, faces Cuban Yuniel Dorticos, 39, the night Paul returns against former middleweight world champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
And promoter Oscar de la Hoya has talked up a shock bout between Ramirez and Paul in the future.
Meanwhile Jack, 41, opened the door to defending his green and gold belt against the former Disney Channel actor, sparking behind-the-scenes conversations.
But Opetaia, 29, has refused to even entertain a fight with Paul as he looks to cement himself as a legitimate great with his eyes on the heavyweight division.
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And Paul was probed on why the Aussie phenomenon was not joined by Ramirez and Jack on his list of potential title fights.
But he said: “It might line up but at the end of the day, there’s 100 people that want to fight me.
“I got Canelo, Gervonta (Davis), Anthony Joshua, Badou, Zurdo, Tommy Fury, KSI, the list keeps on going.
“So it’s just about what makes sense and we’ll see when the negotiations come but I would for sure entertain a fight with him.”
Paul drops back down to the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lbs after bulking up TWO STONE to fight at heavyweight against Mike Tyson.
But he admitted to getting “too fat” at 227lb (16st 2lb) for his points win over Tyson – who controversially returned at aged 58.
“It was just too much and my body wasn’t made for it,” he said.
“And even when I got into the ring I just felt too fat. So cruiserweight is definitely the perfect weight for me.”
Paul was close to agreeing a blockbuster May 3 bout in Las Vegas against Canelo Alvarez, 34, until the Mexican walked away from the deal.
So Paul turned his attention to an exhibition bout against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis – despite their FIVE STONE difference.
But Davis is now set to rematch Lamont Roach in August after their controversial New York draw in March.
Paul, 28, finally called upon ex-middleweight world champ Chavez Jr, 39, back down at his natural and more comfortable weight.
He said ahead of the June 28 DAZN PPV: “I wanted the hardest and the biggest fights, which was first Canelo then Gervonta fell through.
“And then at any given point in time we’re negotiating or talking with five to six fighters to see who’s down and ready to fight and making a date happen.
“And after Canelo and Gervonta, we were talking to multiple people and Chavez was the one to step up, that made sense for me to stay active and get a fight in June.
“So really it’s just the long line and I just need more time but I’m gonna get to all of these names when the stars aligned.”
