In August 2021, Jake Paul disclosed his list of target opponents as he embarked on his professional boxing journey, seeking to evolve from a social media influencer into a bona fide fighter. Early in his career, Paul defeated fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, NBA dunk champion Nate Robinson, and retired MMA fighter Ben Askren, despite no prior boxing experience. Many saw his ambitions as unrealistic, but Paul has since surpassed expectations by taking on and winning against numerous names from his “hit list,” including Tyron Woodley (twice), Nate Diaz, and Tommy Fury, along with former UFC fighters Anderson Silva and Mike Perry, and notable boxers. With some fights falling through, like a canceled exhibition against Gervonta “Tank” Davis due to legal issues, Paul has updated his list with fresh challenges.
Among his new targets is Terrence Crawford, the undefeated super middleweight champion aiming to solidify his legacy by defeating Canelo Alvarez. Although Crawford may be moving toward retirement, Paul admires him as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. Another notable prospect is KSI, a fellow YouTuber turned professional boxer who previously defeated Paul’s brother Logan; a fight between Jake and KSI remains highly anticipated despite current uncertainties. Paul also eyes UFC light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira to prove his superiority over MMA stars, acknowledging ongoing contract negotiations as a significant hurdle.
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua represents a size and challenge upgrade for Paul, though Joshua’s upcoming fight schedule is uncertain post-surgery. Tommy Fury, the only fighter to officially defeat Paul, still seeks a lucrative rematch despite stalled negotiations over financial terms. Oleksandr Usyk, though primarily focused on boxing and soon transitioning to MMA, has called out Paul, adding another intriguing potential crossover fight on the horizon. Canelo Alvarez remains a high-profile desired opponent despite past failed negotiations, with new talks offering hope for a blockbuster bout. Lastly, Ryan Garcia, a huge social media star and former friend of Paul’s, is considered a top future contender to face off against Paul, promising a massive event if realized.
Fan Take: This evolving landscape in Jake Paul’s boxing career is electrifying for fight fans, blending social media influence with elite athletic competition and crossing over into MMA. These potential matchups could redefine boxing’s appeal and bring unprecedented attention to combat sports, promising thrilling fights and commercial success in the years ahead.
