Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, has been positioned at 14th in the latest WBA cruiserweight rankings, bringing him one step closer to a potential world title shot. This development follows his recent victory over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a 10-round contest in Kansas, marking his 12th professional win.

A Controversial Rise

Paul's ascent in the boxing world has been nothing short of controversial. With a background in social media fame, he has primarily faced former MMA fighters in the ring. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023, but he rebounded with a high-profile win against Mike Tyson in November.

Eligibility for World Title

Being ranked in the top 15 makes Paul eligible to challenge the unified world champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, who holds both the WBA and WBO titles. Ramirez, 33, recently defended his WBA title by defeating Yuniel Dorticos on the same card as Paul's fight.

Criticism and Future Challenges

Paul's ranking has sparked criticism from traditionalists who argue that his limited experience shouldn't allow him to leapfrog more established contenders. Despite this, Paul has already called out Anthony Joshua and Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, showcasing his ambition to face top-tier opponents.

WBC Considerations

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman hinted that Paul could also be considered for a ranking within their organization if he continues to perform well. While the WBC has yet to release its updated rankings, a top-15 position would make Paul eligible for a title shot under their rules.

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