Jake Paul has made a big move in his boxing career. The WBA ranked him in their top 15 cruiserweights this month. This puts him closer to his goal of becoming a real world champion.
Paul's career started with a lot of people doubting him. He fought older, smaller ex-UFC fighters at first. Then he lost to Tommy Fury, a boxer who didn't have much experience. But Paul didn't give up. He kept training and got better.
His fight with Mike Tyson didn't do much for his skills, but it sure helped his bank account. Recently, Paul beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a 39-year-old former middleweight champ who hadn't fought in a while. Paul won the fight easily on points.
Now, Paul is ranked number 14 in the WBA's cruiserweight division. This means he could get a shot at the champion, Gilberto Ramirez. But there's been a lot of pushback, and the WBA might take back the ranking.
Terence Crawford, who's getting ready to fight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in September, thinks Paul has a shot. When Ariel Helwani asked Crawford if Paul could be a cruiserweight champ in two years, he said it's possible.
"Paul can punch with his right hand. He's not just a YouTuber boxing for fun. He trains to get better. He has improved. He puts time, focus, and energy into boxing."
Paul's come a long way from his YouTube days. He's shown he's serious about boxing. Will he become a world champion? We'll have to wait and see.
