What Rank Is Jake Paul In Boxing?

Jake Paul has made headlines in and out of the ring for years, but now he’s done something even his biggest critics didn’t expect—he’s officially ranked by one of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies. As of July 2025, Jake Paul is ranked No. 14 in the WBA cruiserweight division, marking the first time he’s appeared in an official Top 15 list recognized by a global governing body.

That’s right—Paul is now eligible to challenge for a world title. Here’s how it happened, why it’s stirring up controversy, and what it means for his boxing future.

Jake Paul Earns a Spot in the WBA Rankings

Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) secured his WBA ranking following a decisive win over former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. on June 28 in Anaheim. Paul won by unanimous decision with scores of 99-91, 97-93, and 98-92 across the board. It was a significant victory, not only because of the name value of Chávez Jr., but because it marked Paul’s sixth straight win since his lone loss to Tommy Fury in early 2023.

The win helped cement his case as more than just a celebrity boxer. For the WBA, it was enough to place him at No. 14 in their cruiserweight division, just one step away from becoming a legitimate title challenger.

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Why the Ranking Matters?

Being ranked in the WBA’s Top 15 means Jake Paul is now eligible to challenge for the WBA cruiserweight championship. The current titleholder is Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, a skilled and seasoned Mexican fighter who also holds the WBO title in the division. While a fight between Paul and Ramírez isn’t on the calendar yet, the door is now officially open.

Paul has expressed interest in big-name matchups, and this ranking gives him the leverage to pursue more serious opponents—potentially even title fights—under the banner of a major organization.

Not Everyone Is on Board

As expected, Jake Paul’s sudden rise into the official rankings has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that his ranking devalues the system and is more about popularity than merit. Former world champion Spencer Oliver went as far as to call it a “complete mockery,” stating that Paul hasn’t fought enough ranked or experienced boxers to justify such recognition.

The WBA has acknowledged the backlash and announced that the ranking will be reviewed at their upcoming annual convention in Madrid. Whether Paul’s position holds or changes will depend on the outcome of that discussion.