Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council, has confirmed that Youtube star turned boxer Jake Paul will receive a world ranking if he defeats unbeaten Tommy Fury.
Paul has built up a record of 6-0, with 4 knockouts – but he’s yet to face an actual boxer in the squared circle.
On February 26 in Saudi Arabia, Paul will collide with Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) in a cruiserweight contest. Fury is the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
A win over Fury will secure a WBC world ranking, at cruiserweight, for Paul.
“Jake Paul has been close to the WBC for several years, starting with the first event promoted in the UK when his brother, Logan, fought KSI. On that night Jake won the WBC amateur belt in the undercard fights,” Sulaiman said to Sky Sports.
“Jake has dedication and respect to the sport and the WBC will not tolerate discrimination against anyone. He deserves the opportunities that any other boxer has. He demonstrated punching power and improved skills as well as a solid chin. Tommy Fury represents a clear challenge to Paul in a battle of two undefeated professional boxers.”
Paul was slated to receive a world ranking last year – had he beaten heavyweight prospect Hasim Rahman Jr. in a scheduled fight. The event was canceled when Rahman’s handlers revealed that their boxer was unable to safely make the cruiserweight limit.
In several interviews, Paul has made it clear that he wants to achieve his dream of capturing a world title.
“I want to become a world champion. I’m going to become a world champion, and these fights are all just stepping stones to get there. I’m slowly improving,” Paul said.
“I’ve sparred against world champions and done phenomenal against them, so who knows what can happen in two to three years from now when I go into my athletic prime? I’m starting to really, really get this sport and all aspects of it.
“It’s really actually scary what could possibly happen. I think not only will I become a world champion, I think I will be a dominant world champion and knock someone out for the belt.”