Jake Paul has officially dropped out of the World Boxing Association cruiserweight rankings, a sharp fall that follows his high profile defeat to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua last month.
The YouTuber turned boxer had been ranked number 14 in the WBA cruiserweight division in July after securing a controversial win over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. That ranking immediately drew backlash from boxing purists who felt Paul had leapfrogged more seasoned contenders.
Following the Joshua bout, Paul slipped one place to number 15 before being completely removed from the rankings in the WBA’s latest update released on December 31. The decision reflects the severity of his loss and raises fresh questions about his standing in elite professional boxing.
During the fight, the 28 year old struggled to cope with Joshua’s size and power, spending long stretches on the back foot. His resistance faded in the fifth round when he was knocked down twice before the contest was stopped in the sixth.
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The defeat marked only the second loss of Paul’s professional career but came with serious consequences. He sustained a broken jaw and later underwent surgery, which reportedly involved the insertion of two titanium plates and the removal of several teeth.
Bosnian boxer Edin Puhalo, who recorded his 27th career victory in December, has now claimed the number 15 spot vacated by Paul.
Paul’s brief appearance in the WBA rankings had already stirred debate within the boxing community. His removal is likely to be welcomed by traditional fans who argue that rankings should be earned through consistent competition against top level opponents.
