Jake Paul took a big step toward a world title. On June 28, 2025, he outpointed former middleweight champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a unanimous decision at Honda Center in Anaheim. The World Boxing Association gave him a No. 14 cruiserweight ranking, making him eligible to challenge champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Paul called out Ramirez post-fight, saying, “I want tougher fighters. I want to be a world champion.”
Paul’s Win and Ranking
Paul dominated Chavez Jr., who looked rusty after fighting once in four years. The WBA had promised a ranking for a win, placing Paul at No. 14. This puts him in line to face Ramirez, who beat Yuniel Dorticos on the same card. Paul didn’t hold back, saying, “Zurdo looked slow as s—t tonight, that’d be easy work,” Their press conference staredown hinted at a possible fight.
🚨The World Boxing Association (WBA) official has Jake Paul ranked #14 in the WBA Cruiserweight rankings.
Jake Paul (12-1) is now eligible to challenge WBA & WBO Cruiserweight champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1).
Jake’s last 6 wins —
🥊Julio Cesar Chavez Jr via UD… pic.twitter.com/yEO4HQtaUX
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) July 1, 2025
After both guys won via Unanimous Decision in their last bout (Julio Cesar Chavez Jr & Yuniel Dorticos) Jake Paul and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez face off backstage 😱‼️
Jakes Paul is on route to Shock the World as world title fight moves closer… @jakepaul #PaulChavezJr pic.twitter.com/lUlsnPLg0B
— Lezra Gomez (@lezramgomez) June 29, 2025
Paul’s Boxing Journey
Paul, 28, has a 12-1 record with 7 knockouts, starting his pro career in 2020. His only loss was to Tommy Fury by split decision in February 2023. He’s since won six straight, including knockouts of Andre August in December 2023 and Ryan Bourland in March 2024, and a decision over Nate Diaz in August 2023. His November 2024 win over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson drew big numbers but criticism. The Chavez Jr. fight was his second straight win over a former boxing champ.
The Title Picture
Ramirez, 48-1 with 30 knockouts, is a former super middleweight champ now ruling cruiserweight. He’s eyeing a unification bout with IBF champ Jai Opetaia. Paul also named Badou Jack, the 41-year-old WBC cruiserweight champ, as a targe. His business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, suggested Jack over Ramirez due to Zurdo’s lack of draw. The WBC may rank Paul soon.
Paul’s ranking opens the door to a title shot, but nothing’s confirmed. Ramirez’s focus on Opetaia could delay a fight. Paul’s social media pull makes him a big money fight, but some say he hasn’t faced enough top boxers. With a possible WBC ranking coming, Paul’s next step could shake up the sport.
