Fact Check: Is Jake Paul a ranked boxer? Analyzing how realistic his cruiserweight championship goals are

Jake Paul and his older brother Logan Paul rose to prominence courtesy of their comedic skits and other online content around a decade ago, eventually becoming highly successful social media influencers. The brothers tried their hand at the sport of boxing as well. In recent years, Jake has boxed more frequently, whereas Logan branched out to the professional wrestling realm in the WWE.

The younger Paul brother made his professional boxing debut in Jan. 2020 and currently boasts a record of nine wins and one defeat. Paul's lone defeat came via split decision against undefeated UK pugilist Tommy Fury of the famed Fury boxing family. After losing to Fury in Feb. 2023, 'The Problem Child' has bounced back with three consecutive victories.

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Is Jake Paul a ranked boxer?

In the context of boxing, being included in the official rankings of the big four organizations (WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF) is believed to be a major feat for any rising boxing star. Jake Paul currently isn't ranked in any of the aforementioned organizations. A DAZN report, earlier this year, noted that Paul isn't ranked by the WBC, something he almost secured in 2023.

In the build-up to the long-awaited Tommy Fury-Jake Paul fight last year, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman had suggested that a win over Fury would earn Paul a spot in the official WBC rankings.

However, Paul ended up losing to Fury and the latter gained a spot in the rankings. Regardless, the American influencer has since picked up a unanimous decision win against Nate Diaz in Aug. 2023, a first-round KO victory against Andre August in Dec. 2023, and a first-round TKO win over Ryan Bourland in March. 2024.

In an interview with Sky Sports before the Fury fight, Paul had notably spoken about his objectives in boxing, vowing to become a world champion in the sport.

Watch Jake Paul's Sky Sports interview below:

Well, in 2024, Jake Paul's ambition to become a world titlist appears to be as strong as ever. He was initially booked to face former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on July 20, 2024. Regardless, that matchup was postponed due to Tyson's health issues, and they're expected to clash on Nov. 15, 2024.

Before he faces Tyson at heavyweight, 'The Problem Child' would first face former UFC welterweight and current BKFC superstar Mike Perry. The Paul-Perry cruiserweight bout will headline a boxing event at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, USA, on July 20, 2024.

Speaking to DAZN, ahead of the Perry matchup, Paul reiterated his goal of ascending to the top of the boxing food chain. Noting that he aims to become a cruiserweight champion, the 27-year-old named top pugilists such as Jai Opetaia (IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion), veteran boxer Badou Jack, and others as potential opponents. Paul stated:

"I'm here to become a world champion. I've done everything else that I've wanted to do in boxing. I've already exceeded my own expectations. So, that's really the last, you know, final goal I have in this sport. I will be the cruiserweight world champion. Badou [Jack], Ilunga Makabu, [*unintelligible], and f**king Jai Opetaia could get it too."

Check out Paul's comments below: