Jake Paul's boxing career has taken a significant hit: After stepping into the ring with Anthony Joshua, the YouTube sensation-turned-boxer has been ousted from the World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight rankings. But here's where it gets controversial... was this outcome truly surprising, or was it an inevitable consequence of facing a seasoned heavyweight champion?
The official rankings, updated as of December 31st, 2025, reflect the aftermath of Paul's December defeat at the hands of Anthony Joshua. The match, a heavyweight affair held in Miami, saw Joshua secure a decisive victory with a sixth-round knockout. The physical toll on Paul was considerable, reportedly including a broken jaw that required surgery to repair.
Prior to the Joshua fight, Paul held the No. 15 spot in the WBA cruiserweight rankings. He initially entered the rankings at No. 14 back in July of 2025, following a unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a fight that took place in Anaheim, California. Chavez Jr. was 39 years old at the time. And this is the part most people miss... while Paul's victory against Chavez Jr. was a noteworthy achievement, some critics argued that Chavez Jr. was past his prime, leading to questions about the validity of Paul's subsequent ranking.
The fight against Joshua, however, intensified existing criticism surrounding Paul's relatively limited boxing experience compared to his opponents. Observers noted the significant size and experience disparity between Paul and Joshua, with some suggesting that Paul spent more time evading confrontation than actively engaging in it. Some viewed it as a spectacle more than a serious boxing match.
As a result of the loss, Paul's record now stands at 12 wins and 2 losses, with 7 wins by knockout. Taking Paul's place in the WBA cruiserweight top 15 is Bosnia's Edin Puhalo, who recently celebrated his 29th career victory in December.
The removal from the WBA rankings marks a setback for Jake Paul's boxing aspirations. But it begs the question: Can Paul realistically climb back into contention in the cruiserweight division, or will he continue to pursue high-profile fights against opponents with considerable size and experience advantages? What do you think? Is it time for Jake Paul to focus on opponents closer to his experience level, or should he continue to challenge established names in the sport, regardless of the risks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
