Jake Paul Drops From WBA Cruiserweight Rankings After Joshua bout
Breaking news from the World Boxing Association confirms that Jake Paul has fallen out of the cruiserweight rankings after his heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua earlier this month. The update, issued on December 31, removes him from the list, ending a controversial ascent that had drawn pushback from traditionalists inside the sport.
Paul had previously entered the cruiserweight rankings at No. 14 in July, following his victory over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. That result had sparked lively debate about the path of a social-media star into professional boxing and the pace at which he climbed the ladder.
in the latest batch of rankings, Paul slipped to No. 15 as the list was reshuffled. The No. 15 slot was filled by Bosnia’s Edin Puhalo, who logged his 27th career win in December. The development comes as Paul’s setback against joshua continues to ripple through rankings and public opinion alike.
Paul, 28, entered the Joshua fight with notable hurdles, including a high-profile jaw injury from a previous defeat. He underwent titanium plate installation and dental work after that incident,following his second career loss,before stepping back into the ring with Joshua and suffering a stoppage in the sixth round after being knocked down twice in the fifth.
The move has rekindled discussions about how quickly new faces should be accommodated in elite rankings, a topic that has long polarized boxing traditionalists who argue for time-tested contenders to lead the charge.
For readers following the WBA cruiserweight landscape, the December 31 update marks a clear shift in the pecking order, with Edin Puhalo emerging as the new No. 15 alongside other established contenders. The full implications for Paul’s future in the rankings and his upcoming matchups remain a subject of speculation among fans and analysts alike.
| Fighter | Ranking Before (July) | Ranking After (Dec 31 Update) | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Paul | No. 14 | No. 15 | Lost to anthony Joshua; stopped in the sixth round; prior jaw injury required titanium plates and dental work. |
| Edin Puhalo | Not ranked in No. 15 slot (new) | No. 15 | Recorded his 27th career win in December; Bosnia’s representative in the top tier. |
What do you think should be Paul’s next move in the ring? Which opponent would best test his development and credibility in the ring?
Would you like to see Paul pursue more heavyweight challenges or strengthen his standing in cruiserweight before chasing a title shot?
Readers can follow ongoing coverage, including expert analysis and official updates from credible outlets like BBC Sport for context on recent title implications and ranking movements.
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us who you think Paul should face next to prove his place in professional boxing.
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