Following his victory over Mike Tyson, Jake Paul has been offered a fight against world champion Artur Beterbiev. The social media influencer-turned-boxer edged out the boxing icon by unanimous decision in Arlington, sparking speculation about who he could face off next.
While no contract for a subsequent fight is penned, reigning undefeated light-heavyweight champ Beterbiev seems eager to test Paul’s mettle. On Instagram, he taunted the online sensation, posting: “@jakepaul what can you do in ring against the current undisputed champion? Just know that I’m always open to any suggestions.”
Beterbiev, holder of the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO belts with an impressive record — 21 wins, 20 via knockout — would pose the biggest challenge Paul has confronted.
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The 39-year-old’s recent win was against Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia by majority decision. They were tipped for a rematch next year; however, the IBF’s call for Beterbiev to face its mandatory challenger, Michael Eifert from Germany, casts doubt on it.
If they don’t seal a deal within 30 days per IBF regulations, Beterbiev risks losing his title, and currently, no agreement is on the table.
Beterbiev may be on the lookout for a bout with Jake Paul, but Paul seems to have grander plans following his triumph over Tyson. He has set his sights on a hefty challenge by declaring he’s ready to step into the ring against Canelo Alvarez for a stab at cruiserweight glory, before taking a divergent path into the realm of Mixed Martial Arts.
“It’s Canelo,” he announced post-victory. “Me vs. Canelo at 200lb for the cruiserweight championship of the world is the biggest fight, arguably even bigger than me vs. Tyson, and it makes so much sense. Canelo is on his way out.
Artur Beterbiev has called out Jake Paul (
Getty Images)
“He’s going to want a payday and I want to show the world all the stuff I’ve been talking about beating Canelo is actually true and I’ll have the biggest upset in the history of boxing. We’ll fight to really see who is the face because after this event, I’m going to be claiming it.”
With his mindset firm on future fights, Paul has moved on from his latest conquest, though Tyson, even at 58, isn’t ready to toss in the towel just yet, expressing a desire to challenge Paul’s brother, Logan. .
“I don’t think so,” Tyson pushed back when questioned if the defeat to Paul would mark his last dance in the ring. “It depends on the situation. I don’t think so, I don’t know, maybe I’ll fight his brother [Logan Paul].”
