Jake Paul asserts he is the most sought-after figure in boxing, likening his position to that of Megan Fox in the popular Transformers film franchise.
Despite having participated in just 12 professional bouts, the former YouTube star has become a prime target for many of the sport`s leading fighters, all vying for a significant payday by facing him.
Paul remains confident in his goal to one day contend for a cruiserweight world championship, specifically mentioning current champions like Jai Opetaia, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, and Badou Jack as potential future opponents.
When asked to rank these fighters, Paul commented: “I`d probably place Zurdo and Jai at number one equally, and Badou as number two. They are all formidable challenges, and we are currently in discussions with Zurdo and Badou regarding potential fights for the coming year.”
Addressing why he wasn`t currently pursuing a fight with Australia`s IBF champion and highly-regarded pound-for-pound fighter, Opetaia, Paul explained that, much like Megan Fox`s breakthrough role in 2007 made her widely desired, he has an abundance of potential opponents seeking a match.
He stated: “There is interest [in Opetaia]. But look, I`m like Megan Fox from the Transformers movie – everybody wants a piece of me! There simply isn`t enough time to accommodate everyone, though a fight with him could potentially align in the future. The truth is, there are about a hundred fighters who want to fight me.”
The 28-year-old Paul is scheduled to step back into the ring on June 28th in California. His opponent will be former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in a fight broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.
This upcoming fight follows unsuccessful attempts to secure major matchups against renowned boxers such as Gervonta Davis, 30, and Canelo Alvarez, 34. Despite the setbacks, these world-class fighters remain on Paul`s list of seven desired opponents.
Listing some of these potential opponents, he named: “I`ve got Canelo, Gervonta, Anthony Joshua, Badou, Zurdo, Tommy Fury, KSI… the list goes on. It`s simply a matter of deciding which fight makes the most sense next, and we`ll see what unfolds.”
Paul`s most recent fight was met with considerable commercial success, albeit alongside some controversy.
He defeated Mike Tyson, who was making a return at age 58 after a 20-year retirement. Their eight-round contest reportedly drew over 100 MILLION viewers on Netflix.
However, this fight required Paul to gain substantial weight, reaching 227 lbs (16st 2lb), considerably above his preferred cruiserweight fighting weight limit of 200 lbs (14st 4lb).
Paul admitted the challenge of the weight gain: “It was rough, and I most likely won`t undertake that again. It felt like too much, and my body wasn`t suited for that weight. When I was actually in the ring, I just felt overly heavy. Cruiserweight is definitely the ideal weight class for me.”
He is now moving back down in weight to face Chavez, the son of the legendary Mexican boxing figure Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.
Paul also remarked on the fight with Chavez: “Chavez and I have been in communication for a long period, and he was always a significant potential opponent I wanted to face. Engaging with him now, particularly as a former world champion, feels like the logical next step to enhance my fighting record and gain more experience in prominent bouts.”
