Jake Paul took a step closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a legitimate world champion this month when he was ranked in the WBA’s top 15 cruiserweights. Terence Crawford has weighed in on his chances of pulling it off.
Paul has had a controversial start in the sport, cutting his teeth against former UFC fighters who were mostly older and naturally smaller than him. When he faced a boxer with limited experience in Tommy Fury, he lost.
However, and despite a contest against Mike Tyson which did nothing for his ability but a lot for his bank balance, the American has improved his skillset.
Asked by Ariel Helwani if Paul could become a cruiserweight world champion within the next 24 months, pound-for-pound great Crawford gave the 28-year-old hope.
“It’s possible.”
‘Bud’ – who is deep in preparations for his mega fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez this September – then praised Paul’s dedication.
“Listen man a lot of people write Jake off but Jake can punch with that right hand, he’s got a nice right hand.
“I’ve gained a lot of respect for Jake Paul because he’s not a YouTuber that’s just boxing just to box he actually trains and actually wants to get better and actually has got better and is really putting his time, focus and energy into boxing so you got to respect that.”
Since that interview, Paul has comfortably outpointed inactive 39-year-old former middleweight champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
With his number 14 ranking, the American is eligible for a voluntary title shot against champion Gilberto Ramirez should the Mexican be interested, however the WBA is reportedly considering reversing the ranking after considerable backlash.
