It’s fair to say that Jake Paul has taken the boxing world by storm. Following the YouTube star’s first dip into boxing in 2018, beating fellow influencer Deji Olatunji via technical knockout in the pair’s white-collar bout, he has continued on his mission to be recognized as a legitimate pro boxer. Several high-profile fights against the likes of UFC stars Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva, as well as professional British boxer Tommy Fury, have proven to be box office successes while highlighting Paul’s improving skills. The pinnacle of Paul’s boxing career so far, however, came in November last year when he defeated former undisputed heavyweight champion and boxing legend Mike Tyson in a record-breaking bout that would become the biggest boxing gate ever outside of Las Vegas.
While significant portions of the boxing community continue to shun Paul, accusing him of tarnishing the integrity of their sport and questioning his motives in the ring, his commercial pull is undeniable, with his next fight guaranteed to be the hottest ticket in town. Considering this, let’s take a look at the odds-on favorites to be Paul’s next opponent. While there are some obvious names in the mix, there may also be some that take a few by surprise.
KSI
Another massive YouTuber who has made the transition to boxing in recent years, KSI, has emerged as a potential future opponent to Paul, with the commercial opportunity surrounding a fight appearing highly lucrative for both parties. KSI famously beat Paul’s older brother, Logan, in a professional bout in 2019, and while he doesn’t quite have the same boxing experience, the potential for a grudge match to avenge his brother has been on the cards for years. With both stars having huge social media followings, there is no doubting the hype surrounding a potential fight, with huge sponsorship and live-streaming deals likely following behind. However, as Paul continues to try and prove to his doubters wrong regarding his legitimacy in boxing, another bout against an unestablished influencer will do little to silence the critics. He, therefore, may instead look towards some genuine boxing royalty.
Canelo Álvarez
Regarded as one of the best boxers of his generation, holding world titles across four weight classes, including at super middleweight, in which he became the first person ever to become the undisputed champion in 2021, Álvarez would provide Paul by far his biggest challenge to date. Following his victory against Tyson last year, it has become clear that Álvarez has been at the top of Paul’s list, with multiple attempts being made to try and lure him into the ring. Earlier this year, it was reported that a potential deal was being finalized that would see the pair square off in Las Vegas during the spring; however, following Canelo’s decision to sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia instead, it looks as though any potential deal has gone cold. Considering Álvarez’s position as a global boxing superstar who already is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, it is hard to see why he would choose to fight Paul, who, with all due respect, is below his level. However, if there’s one thing that the Paul vs Tyson or McGregor vs Mayweather fights showed, it’s that anything can happen in the world of box office boxing.
Tommy Fury
Talking of professional boxers, outside of the much-hyped but equally derided Tyson showcase, the only other name on Paul’s record with any previous boxing credentials is Tommy Fury. The younger brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury, Tommy has enjoyed a unique boxing career following his stint on the matchmaking show Love Island UK back in 2019, transitioning from fighting other pro boxers to squaring up against YouTube stars. In 2023, Fury beat Paul via split decision in a hotly contested contest in the only loss of Paul’s burgeoning career to date. With the chance for revenge on the cards, the next fight for Jake Paul could well be a rematch against his old British foe, and with the pair frequently exchanging jabs on social media platforms, another few rounds would come as no surprise. And while Fury has not been in the ring since 2023, he will be looking to consolidate his reputation after the controversial circumstances that surrounded the first bout. A case of when, not if, could Paul vs Fury II be the next fight on the cards for the YouTube star?
Ryan Garcia
As Paul desperately tries to elevate his credentials in the boxing world, one name that may provide the perfect pathway could be that of Ryan Garcia. In California, Garcia emerged as a potential future star, turning professional at just 17 before quickly being signed up by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. Quickly rising up the ranks, he defeated Luke Campbell in 2021 to capture the WBC interim world title; however, three years later, Garcia tested positive for a banned substance, Ostarine, that would see him banned for a year. A turbulent year has followed outside of the ring for Garcia, with his reputation now a shadow of what it once was. Following the announcement of his return to the ring against Rukiya Anpo in Japan later this year, Garcia also called out Jake Paul, vowing to knock him out to avenge Mike Tyson. For Paul, the opportunity to fight not just as an active fighter but one with an impressive catalog of past victories presents an ideal chance to enhance how the boxing community views him. Victory would not be guaranteed for Paul, however, with Garcia’s skill level much higher than that of any of his previous opponents.
Whether you like him or not, there is no doubt that Jake Paul’s standing as a genuine box office attraction is consistently attracting huge audience numbers to his fights while generating unmatched pre-match buzz. His personal quest for boxing legitimacy remains, though, and this is sure to influence who his next opponent will be. For now, fans from across the world will be eagerly awaiting an announcement.
Content Disclaimer: Our articles and podcasts, including those on sports betting, are for entertainment and informational purposes only and are not intended to promote or endorse betting. If you choose to bet, we urge you to do so responsibly. Help is available for those facing challenges with gambling. Contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org. North Carolina residents can also find resources at More Than a Game. If you need immediate assistance, call 1-800-GAMBLER. For more details, see our full disclaimer.
Content Disclosure: Some content on this website may include links to third-party products, services, or websites. While we may or may not receive compensation for the time and effort spent curating and creating this content, we do not receive payment specifically for the sale of products. We only share content and resources that we believe offer value to our readers and align with our editorial standards. All opinions expressed are our own, and any content or links are subject to review for quality and relevance. For more details, see our full disclaimer.