WBC cruiserweight champion
Badou Jack has long been linked to a potential bout against
Jake Paul.
Paul has angled to be ranked by the sanctioning body to get a title shot against the sport’s second-oldest champion.
But the fight train appears to have passed for both fighters for the time being, as Jack is heading into a
rematch against Noel Mikaelian on Saturday while Paul is preparing for what seems to be a
mission impossible against Anthony Joshua on December 19.
Like many of the respected voices in boxing, Jack believes Joshua will give Paul a jolt and easily dispose of him.
“Jake Paul is the money guy right now, so everybody wants to fight him,” Jack told
The Ring. “I think Jake Paul is definitely good for the sport. He makes big events and takes care of women's boxing.
“But he's easy money. He's an easy fight for a lot of money. You have to give him credit for fighting AJ. I can't see Jake Paul lasting more than half a round with AJ. It should be a [quick night of work].
"AJ is a big name, and business-wise, it makes a lot of sense. For [Paul’s] career, it doesn't make sense. I wish AJ the best, and to take care of business.”
Jack said he’s open to fighting Paul in the future, with or without a title on the line, if it makes sense.
In the meantime, Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) must get past Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs) this weekend to continue landing even more meaningful matchups at 42.
Jack-Mikaelian takes place at the Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles and headlines Bash Boxing and 555 Media's "Championing Mental Health 2" show on PPV.com ($29.95).
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan