Jake Paul, the former YouTube star turned boxer, might get his shot at a world title. Two-weight world champion Gilberto Ramirez has offered to put his cruiserweight belts on the line against 'The Problem Child'.
Paul, 27, from Cleveland, Ohio, has been chasing legitimacy in the boxing world since his debut in 2020. He's faced criticism for his choice of opponents, mainly retired MMA stars. But he's racked up 11 wins and is now aiming for a world championship.
His latest fight saw him outpoint 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a controversial 8-round bout at AT&T; Stadium in Texas last November. That win came after victories over other big names like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.
Now, 33-year-old Mexican champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez is willing to give Paul a shot at his WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. Ramirez didn't mince words when asked about the potential matchup in an interview with ES News.
"F**k yeah, why not? Who cares? Easy money. Knock him out, four rounds. Give some entertainment to the people."
Ramirez knows a thing or two about world titles. He held the WBO super middleweight belt for three years before moving up in weight. At light heavyweight, he suffered his only career loss to Dmitry Bivol.
The Mexican fighter then moved up to cruiserweight, where he's found success again. Last November, he outpointed Chris Billam-Smith to claim the WBO title.
While the Paul fight is an intriguing option, Ramirez also has his sights set on a unification bout with IBF champion Jai Opetaia. Whatever happens next, it's clear that 'Zurdo' is open to all comers – even YouTube stars turned boxers.
