Jake Paul is the most discussed name in boxing right now.
The 27-year-old entered the sport four years ago and has dined out on defeated former UFC fighters. When he faced a fighter of his weight and age in Tommy Fury, he lost.
That is the one blemish on the 12-fight record of Paul, who has beaten the likes of Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. Most recently, and most controversially, he decisioned a 58-year-old Mike Tyson over eight rounds.
The fight topped one of the most viewed boxing cards of all time thanks to the involvement of Netflix. Despite the considerable hype and unquestionable market success, it failed to deliver in terms of action.
Tyson showed small glimpses of his past for a minute or two at the beginning of the bout before tiring and throwing very little. Paul, who has previously promised a knockout, actually appeared to take his foot off the gas to avoid any serious damage to the heavyweight icon.
In the aftermath he has is being criticised and called out left right and centre. One such man is undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, who, in an out of character move, offered the former YouTuber a title shot.
“Jake Paul, what can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champion? Just know that I’m always open to any suggestions.”
Paul responded indirectly, not addressing the prospect of a fight, rather the absurdity of the situation.
“Just seen this… Top 5 pound for pound fighter in the world calling me out. Haha. 4 years in and I run this sport.”
Beterbiev, like he does in the ring, continued to push forward when responding.
“After four years it’s time to have serious challenges. Didn’t notice your acceptance or rejection. So what are we gonna do?”
Paul is yet to respond to that latest message. Despite fighting men lighter than him in the past, it would be a safe guess to say he may not accept. Beterbiev, until his last fight, had knocked out every man he faced.
The ferocious puncher from Russia went the distance against Dmitry Bivol in October, winning a decision to become four-belt champion at 175 pounds. His most likely option is the immediate rematch.
