Jake Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson has once again thrust the YouTuber-turned-boxer into the public eye, with a number of potential next opponents waiting in the wings
Jake Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson has once again thrust the YouTuber-turned-boxer into the public eye, with a number of potential next opponents waiting in the wings Jake Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson has once again thrust the YouTuber-turned-boxer into the public eye, with a number of potential next opponents waiting in the wings
A decisive victory over Mike Tyson has opened up Jake Paul‘s options immensely in regards to where his career moves next.
Despite ‘The Problem Child’ not yet defeating a top-tier, active boxer, speculation is rife about his next opponent. Paul, 27, seemed to have little difficulty in outclassing ‘Iron Mike’ over eight two-minute rounds, but fans and critics alike are hoping for a more formidable challenge next time.
There are several potential paths Paul could take in 2025 to satisfy his fan base. The Ohio-born fighter has been savvy in choosing opponents that offer him the most advantage so far, but taking on a riskier challenge could pay off next year.
It will be up to the Ohio native which route he takes, with world champions even reaching out to get a piece of the pie. We explore where the divisive ex-Disney actor could turn next.
McGregor accepts the challenge
Given Paul’s strategy of focusing on prizefights, a match with Conor McGregor could be his best move. It wouldn’t be his first time defeating a UFC fighter, even though ‘Notorious’ hasn’t stepped into the ring in more than three-and-a-half years.
Paul’s list of defeated MMA stars includes the legend Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley (twice), Ben Askren, and Mike Perry. However, a face-off with arguably the most famous UFC fighter ever would eclipse the reputation and potential earnings of all his previous victories.
Back in December 2020, Paul made headlines when he publicly challenged McGregor, waving a $50million (£40m) cheque. At the time, the YouTuber boasted a 2-0 record and took a jab at McGregor for his sole boxing venture, which ended with a TKO loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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Fresh from his win against Tyson, Paul jumped onto social media platform X with an altered challenge to the 36-year-old McGregor: “Dear Conor, I know you told my team you would fight me at 170 pounds. That’s never happening. But let’s run it in MMA. No weight class. Just like how it used to be done. But you won’t.”
McGregor didn’t hold back on his opinion of Paul before his scrap with Tyson this summer, openly rooting for Mike and expressed his desire to see him “rattle the little dope.” Despite the nine-year age gap, there’s no denying money talks, and the tempting jangle of cash might just lure McGregor back into the fray.
Tommy Fury rematch
Paul’s nearly perfect 11-1 record was tainted by none other than Tommy Fury, who narrowly defeated him via split decision in February 2023. Time may have passed with both fighters’ careers evolving, yet their mutual animosity seems to have stood the test of time.
The boxing world is buzzing with speculation over Paul potentially facing Tyson Fury’s half-brother once more. Despite questions about the fight’s wide appeal, Fury – who will fight former UFC welterweight Darren Till in January – considers a rematch with Paul “inevitable.”
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“In a heartbeat, yeah. I mean at the end of the day I think me and him, we’re set in stone,” he said during a recent interview with ESPN. “He’s only got one defeat and that’s to me, so it’s inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring.”
Previous negotiations had stalled, with Paul’s ex-trainer, BJ Flores, labelling Fury “unreasonable” over payment terms. However, Paul will likely view the chance to overcome his solitary loss as an essential goal if the prize money can be agreed upon.
World championship
Switching gears from fights with fading stars and former basketball players, Paul might consider a far loftier aspiration in a heavyweight world title. One such opportunity has already knocked via Instagram, where IBF champ Daniel Dubois threw down the gauntlet.
“Hi Jake, good business on the weekend but how would you feel fighting for the legitimate heavyweight championship of the world this is Daniel Dubois calling you out,” wrote the Briton. “Let’s get it on.”
Paul broadcasted the call-out by posting a screenshot of Dubois’ bold challenge, but the Englishman – who recently floored Anthony Joshua – was told to “get in line.” He seemed more receptive to this than a previous offer from undefeated light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, who also dangled his belts in front of Paul.
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“@JakePaul what can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champion. Just know I’m always open to any suggestions,” wrote the Russian-Canadian. In response, Paul claimed he “runs this sport” but has yet to accept or decline the challenge.
If Paul is serious about leaving a lasting legacy in boxing, then following in Mayweather’s footsteps by defeating McGregor, avenging his sole career loss against Fury, and then squaring off with a reigning world champion would make 2025 a banner year for him.
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