Jake Paul’s Next Fight: 3 Potential Opponents After Mike Tyson

What to make of Jake Paul exactly? He has titled the axis of boxing since walking to the squared circle 4 years ago. Now, he has the boxing community riled up after he defeated Mike Tyson. While the fans and pros are blasting him, he is counting the money. What’s more? The Problem Child is the hottest property in boxing right now, both because of his theatrics and his ability to sell fights. But the question is, who is next?

Paul, 27, is brimming with confidence and now holds the bragging rights to handing a defeat to ‘Iron Mike’. He is already set to cook a bigger fish. Well, yes, the supposed opponent is older and on the verge of retiring, but he will throw punches. Heavy ones, too.

Jake Paul vs. Canelo Alvarez: the money fight

The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter has been clear about his boxing goal—to meet Canelo Alvarez in the boxing ring. So, he didn’t waste time in floating another challenge. But this time, Paul believes it’s the Mexican champion who needs him. After all, he did mint $40 million fighting a former heavyweight champion. It’s all about the money, and it’s something that Alvarez, 34, knows too.

The fight will sell among both sections of fans—hardcore and casuals. You throw into the mix both fighters’ prodigal skills on the mic, and it’s a match made in heaven for the promoters. But there is an issue. The super middleweight champion doesn’t want it, at least not now. First, it would be hard to persuade ‘Problem Child’ to drop multiple classes and come down to 168 after he registered 227 lbs on the scales in his fight against Tyson. Then there is the gulf of skills and experience between the two. But Alvarez has always held boxing in high regard and wants to uphold its sanctity.

Therefore, it’s hard to see him agree to a fight outside the professional community. It’s a dream fight for Paul, but not the only fight in his career. The eventual goal is to be a world champion, and he can do it next. And it’s at a weight class favoring him.

Artur Beterbiev: allure of gold

Artur Beterbiev seemed displeased with what the 11-1 record holder had done in the ring with the boxing icon, Tyson. It resulted in a call-out to Paul and a demand for a showcase of what the latter could do against an undisputed champion. The Russian champion is a brute force of nature, and he is the closest to Paul’s natural weight on the list.

It could turn out to be a slugfest that fans would pay for and watch. A knockout will always be on the cards, and the fireworks will be the constant feature. That’s not all. The idea of world championship glory will only attract more traction. It’s not every day you see a Rocky story unfolding before your eyes. Albeit, it’s more glamor-cladded. But will the Cleveland native accept the fight? Could be. It’s his best shot at getting a world title fight.

However, there could be some issues with negotiating the fight. The IBF could play the party spoiler role, as usual. The sanctioning body has already cast doubt on the Dmitry Bivol rematch with its order on the undisputed champion to face his IBF mandatory next.

Hence, Beterbiev, 39, is in a tight spot. Should he pursue a hefty paycheck, a rematch for the legacy, or just hold on to his undisputed crown? It’s chaotic. But Paul has one more choice. Someone from his tribe—a crossover boxer—signed under the same PFL banner, Francis Ngannou.

Jake Paul vs. Francis Ngannou: more personal than you thought

Many were left disturbed by Paul and Tyson’s fight. But Ngannou, 38, took it to heart. The PFL champion learned the sweet science under ‘Baddest Man on Planet’ tutelage, which helped him hone his weapons, and he almost took down Tyson Fury with the lessons. It’s no wonder that he is angry with the Cleveland native’s actions and has threatened to slap him on sight.

You look at this fight, and it ticks all the boxes for both fighters. For fans, it has an added flavor of revenge and redemption. Not only can ‘The Predator’ restore Tyson’s honor, but he also can return to the winner’s column in his boxing career. He has lived his boxing dream shortly and might return to it to live it once again. And what’s the better way than to do it against Paul? Will this fight happen? We are not sure. Whoever Paul picks next, you can be sure that it will be a big name, and the fans will flock to see him fight.

Who do you think Jake Paul should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.