Jake Paul’s Next Opponent: Who Will the YouTube Star Take On?
Jake Paul’s journey from teenage prankster to a headline-making professional boxer is nothing short of astonishing. Eleven years after launching his career on Vine, Paul has built a massive fanbase, transitioned to YouTube fame, and managed to defeat legends in the boxing ring, pulling in record-breaking audiences and paydays. His recent matchup against Mike Tyson, despite criticism and memes, attracted more than 65 million viewers around the world and netted him close to $40 million.
Starting on social media with his brother Logan, Jake Paul harnessed the power of digital platforms, amassing millions of followers. Today, his YouTube channel alone boasts over 20 million subscribers. But as he carves out his place in the boxing world, the question that dominates headlines is clear: Who is Jake Paul fighting next?
The Rise of Jake Paul: From Internet Fame to Boxing Spotlight
Jake Paul’s entry into boxing began in 2018 with a victory in a white-collar match against YouTuber Deji Olatunji, brother of internet celebrity KSI, at Manchester Arena. Building upon this initial success, Paul made his professional debut in 2020, knocking out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the first round in Miami. Soon after, he faced former NBA player Nate Robinson, delivering another knockout win.
Paul’s reputation as an emerging crossover fighter grew with a first-round TKO against seasoned MMA champion Ben Askren. His pursuit of legitimacy saw him take on more prominent fighters, including former UFC star Tyron Woodley—achieving a split-decision victory followed by a knockout in their rematch. Though a highly anticipated bout with Tommy Fury was twice postponed, Paul eventually faced and defeated MMA icon Anderson Silva via unanimous decision. When he finally met Tommy Fury in the ring in January 2023, Paul suffered his first professional loss by split decision in Saudi Arabia but rebounded with a win over Nate Diaz later that year.
Image Credit: YES Market Media/Shutterstock
Paul’s momentum continued with victories over Andre August in Orlando and Ryan Bourland in December. Although a fight against Mike Tyson was delayed due to Tyson’s health concerns, Paul filled the gap with a technical knockout over Mike Perry, an MMA and bare-knuckle brawler. When the Tyson fight was finally rescheduled, more than 90,000 fans packed AT&T Stadium to witness Paul beat the legendary champion by unanimous decision—solidifying his position as a unique, polarizing force in modern boxing.
Today, with an 11-1 record and his profile soaring, the world is watching intently to see who Jake Paul will fight next.
Inside Jake Paul’s Training Evolution
Jake Paul recognized early on that success in boxing would require more than just social media hype. His training journey began with guidance from Shane Mosley, a three-division world champion, who coached him to his first professional win. Afterwards, Paul transitioned to working with BJ Flores, a former cruiserweight contender. With Flores, Paul stacked up wins against notable, if older, names from MMA and boxing.
Image Credit: Andre Luiz Moreira/Shutterstock
However, his loss to Tommy Fury, a 24-year-old with conventional boxing skills, raised tough questions about Paul’s readiness for top-level, traditional competition. Determined to improve, Paul overhauled his training staff, bringing in Theotrice Chambers and J’Leon Love, both with ties to Detroit’s iconic Kronk Gym, along with renowned strength coach Larry Wade.
The impact was immediate: Paul showcased improved ring IQ and fitness in subsequent fights, particularly in his six-round domination of Mike Perry and his performance against Tyson. At 27, Paul appears physically stronger, more technically polished, and committed to evolving as a professional boxer. As he eyes his next fight, this transformation is sure to shape both expectations and outcomes.
Image Credit: YES Market Media/Shutterstock
What’s at Stake in Jake Paul’s Next Bout?
Jake Paul has earned massive payouts, global viewership, and a constant spot in pop culture conversation, but traditional boxing credibility remains just out of reach. His move to face legitimate, seasoned boxers—like Andre August and Ryan Bourland—was aimed at gaining respect from both critics and the boxing establishment. Still, many experts dismissed these wins as attempts to pad his resume.
Paul’s camp acknowledges the challenge: gaining legitimacy means building experience the hard way, taking on professional boxers rather than solely entertainers or retired fighters. As Nakisa Bidarian, his promotional partner, revealed, Paul’s ambition is to craft the greatest redemption story in boxing history, even if it means lower earnings and tougher opponents.
Image Credit: YES Market Media/Shutterstock
Major boxing promoters recognize Paul’s commercial impact, and he now sits at a crossroads: one misstep could see his ambitions dashed, but the right fight might finally earn him mainstream boxing respect.
Candidates for Jake Paul’s Next Fight
Paul’s next opponent will be central in defining his legacy—whether he continues as an entertainment draw or is recognized as a true boxing contender. Below is a breakdown of some of the most talked-about matchups.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: A Proven Champion in the Sights
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Chavez Jr., nicknamed “Son of the Legend,” holds a 54-6-1 professional record and once reigned as WBC middleweight champion. Facing Chavez Jr. would give Paul a unique opportunity to cement his reputation with a win over a fighter renowned for his skill. The World Boxing Association has even suggested it would consider sanctioning this bout as a title match, despite neither fighter currently ranking in the WBA’s Top 15.
A bout with Chavez Jr. could be tightly contested. On paper, Chavez Jr. possesses clear advantages in boxing experience and pedigree, but Paul has repeatedly defied expectations.
Tommy Fury: A Rivalry Ready for Renewal
Image Credit: Michael Potts F1/Shutterstock
Their first meeting ended with Paul’s narrow loss, sparking immediate calls for a rematch. Both fighters delivered compelling performances—Paul even knocked Fury down. A second fight seems not just likely, but inevitable, especially as Fury himself has signaled his interest in settling the score.
If Paul can leverage his improved training and tactical growth, he may reverse the earlier result, making this rematch one of the most anticipated possibilities.
Canelo Alvarez: Chasing the Ultimate Test
Image Credit: MACH Photos/Shutterstock
Following his success against Tyson, Jake Paul floated the idea of taking on Canelo Alvarez, a multiple-division world champion with a 66-2-2 record. Though defeating Canelo would be a monumental challenge and heavily stacked against Paul, the fight would guarantee global attention and potentially deliver Paul’s most career-defining moment.
Jorge Masvidal: Talk of an MMA Crossover
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Rumors of a matchup with Jorge Masvidal, who holds the record for the fastest knockout in MMA history, attracted attention after public exchanges between the two. Masvidal, however, appears skeptical about Paul’s ability to transition to MMA. Despite this, a ring or cage duel between these personalities can’t be ruled out entirely, although, after Masvidal’s recent loss to Nate Diaz (whom Paul defeated), most experts give Paul the edge should the fight materialize.
Artur Beterbiev: The Biggest Challenge Yet?
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
For purists, a matchup with Artur Beterbiev—the undisputed light-heavyweight world champion with a staggering knockout record—would be the ultimate test of Paul’s boxing ambition. Beterbiev, with a 21-fight, 20-knockout start to his career, offers a level of power and skill Paul has yet to encounter. While this fight seems a tall order for Paul at his current level, a win would instantly solidify his standing at the top echelons of boxing.
The Road Ahead: Defining Jake Paul’s Place in Boxing
Jake Paul has succeeded in captivating audiences and generating headlines, drawing new fans to boxing and stirring debate at every turn. As he eyes his next opponent, Paul faces a defining phase: Will he continue to bridge the gap between entertainment and elite boxing, or will his next opponent set him firmly in one camp or the other?
A clash with a proven champion like Chavez Jr. or a grudge match with Tommy Fury could bolster his reputation. Meanwhile, taking on world champions like Beterbiev or Canelo would test the true limits of his ability and ambition. No matter the outcome, Jake Paul’s upcoming fights will help shape not just his own legacy—but the future landscape of crossover boxing.
