On one hand,
Jake Paul says he wants serious challenges to prove he’s the real deal and is pounding the table calling for fights against the likes of
Canelo Alvarez and cruiserweight champions Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack.
On the other hand, “The Problem Child” Paul is not helping his case by also pursuing a career in MMA and boxing matches against a smorgasbord of opponents ranging from Anthony Joshua to Conor McGregor to Ryan Garcia and
Gervonta Davis.
“I'll give anybody the smoke,” Paul told
The Ring and other media after a press conference announcing his June 28 fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
“I am just getting warmed up in the sport. I want big money fights and tough opponents. I want to become a world champion. You're going to see me be very active.”
As he chases championships, Paul was asked to address if he's still serious about pursuing a fight in November against the lightweight star Davis.
“We're working on it behind the scenes to make that happen,” said Paul. “Obviously, that's a fight where the fans are going to win and it's going to be the biggest event of the year.”
Paul, who typically competes as a cruiserweight, last fought at 227 ½ pounds when he beat a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a lukewarm tilt.
Paul and Davis are separated by seven weight classes. The YouTuber-turned-fighter didn’t say what weight the meeting against Tank would take place. But one thing is for certain: It won’t be a professional fight.
"We're working on [the weight],” said Paul. “It will be an exhibition, most likely."
Paul has stated that the dance with Davis was supposed to be announced after his March 1 fight against Lamont Roach, but those plans immediately stalled once they fought to a controversial draw.
Davis and Roach are headed toward an Aug. 16 rematch in Las Vegas. “It was highly talked about and in negotiations and almost ready to make happen,” Paul told the media in April. “But [Davis] now has to do his rematch with Lamont and get that W, then we can run it back. But me and Gervonta were scheduled to fight for sure.”
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan