Jake Paul's hopes of becoming a world champion have hit a roadblock. The popular boxer failed to secure a fight with WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack after promoter Don King stepped in.
Paul has become one of boxing's biggest names in recent years. He scored a big win over Mike Tyson last November, beating the 58-year-old legend by unanimous decision in Tyson's first professional bout in nearly two decades. Paul followed that up with a victory over former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June.
Those wins put Paul in position to potentially earn a world title shot. He set his sights on facing Badou Jack for the WBC cruiserweight belt. But those plans have now fallen through.
Don King denied Paul's request for Noel Mikaelian to step aside from his rematch with Jack. Mikaelian lost a controversial majority decision to Jack in May, with many fans feeling the verdict should have gone the other way. The WBC called for an immediate rematch after that disputed outcome.
"The deal is agreed to and signed for Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian II for Jack's WBC cruiserweight title. Ends need for the purse bid scheduled for Tuesday."
Boxing insider Dan Rafael confirmed on social media that Jack and Mikaelian have now officially agreed to terms for their rematch. That leaves Paul on the outside looking in for now in his quest to become world champion.
Paul remains a controversial figure in boxing circles. The WBA and WBC had considered ranking him in their top 15, but those plans may be reversed due to fan backlash. For now, it seems Paul will have to look elsewhere for his next big fight as his world title dreams are put on hold.
