Jake Paul praised for his “shortcut” to get boxing title shot by ex-champ

Jake Paul has been accused of taking a “shortcut” in his goal to gain a boxing world title fight by a former champion. However, the ex-champ isn’t fully against him. 

When Jake Paul first stepped into the boxing world, he was all about settling internet dramas. However, since he has gotten a little more serious about things, he’s been on the hunt for a world title.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer has added some big wins to his almost perfect record. He’s beaten Andre August, Mike Tyson, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to build up some ranking points. 

Jake received a ranking from the WBA following that win over Cesar Chavez Jr., putting him in a position to take on a title fight. However, while he hasn’t signed off on a big fight yet, he has been told he took a “shortcut”.

Former WBO champion unsure on Jake’s boxing ranking

That’s according to former WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith, who questioned the “merit” of Jake’s ranking.

“I have no issue with him getting ranked,” the Brit told The Independent. “Well, not no issue, but I just understand it. I have no issue with Jake Paul, because he’s obviously going to want to maximise everything for him. 

“If he can take a shortcut because of his name and his fanbase, and the money he brings in, credit to him. He might not be there on a boxing level, but on a business level, he’s done really well. So we’ve got to respect that. But I think there has to be some merit in ranking him.”

Credit: Esther Lin / Most Valuable Promotions

As noted, Jake’s ranking with the WBA has got him in the conversation for title fights. He has apparently held talks with Badou Jack over a fight.

However, the team behind the ‘Problem Child’ has to address rumors that he had asked other contenders to ‘step aside’ so that he could fight the champion.