Jake Paul taken off WBA rankings: Did he really deserve the 14th spot in cruiserweight rankings?
Jake Paul has officially been removed from the WBA cruiserweight rankings following his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, a decision that has reignited debate over whether he should have been ranked as high as number 14 in the first place.
Jake Paul entered his bout with Anthony Joshua ranked inside the WBA’s top 15 at cruiserweight, a position that raised eyebrows across the boxing world. While the ranking reflected Paul’s growing profile and unbeaten run prior to that fight, many critics argued that it did not align with the level of opposition typically faced by fighters in that bracket.
Was Jake Paul’s WBA ranking justified?
Paul’s boxing résumé featured wins over fellow crossover fighters, former MMA athletes and limited professional boxers, but lacked victories against established, world-level cruiserweights. Despite improvements in technique, conditioning and discipline, the gap between Paul and elite professional boxers remained a major talking point, especially when compared to fighters who spend years working through regional and international rankings.
That gap was exposed when Paul stepped in with Joshua. The former unified heavyweight champion controlled the fight before scoring a decisive knockout, underlining the difference between a seasoned elite boxer and a developing contender. Shortly after the defeat, the World Boxing Association removed Paul from its rankings entirely.
Supporters of Paul argue that rankings are often influenced by marketability and momentum, and that his position reflected his activity and willingness to take risks. Detractors counter that rankings should be earned strictly through competition against comparable professionals, not popularity or commercial appeal.
With Paul now unranked, the conversation shifts to what comes next. If he hopes to re-enter the rankings legitimately, it will likely require consistent wins against recognised cruiserweights rather than headline-driven matchups. For now, his removal from the WBA list feels less like a surprise and more like a correction, reinforcing the belief that the 14th spot may have come far too soon.
READ MORE: UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov Meets Football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo
Recent posts
