Jake Paul claims his recent victories have legitimised him as a professional boxer and insists he’s ready to right his wrongs against Tommy Fury before taking on Canelo.
Paul will return to the ring this evening in Puerto Rico to face Ryan Bourland as part of the co-main on the Amanda Serrano and Nina Meinke card.
Paul – who lost to Fury via split decision in February 2023 – believes he has what it takes to win the bout at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Argelot in Sau Juan.
He also feels boxing fans should take him seriously following his impressive stoppage victory over Andre August.
August, who first turned professional back in 2013, represented just the second legitimate boxer the online sensation had faced in his four-year career as a fighter – and the first since Fury.
Jake Paul believes he should be taken seriously as a professional boxer after recent victories
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul returns to the ring when he faces Ryan Bourland in Puerto Rico
However, Paul made light-work of the 35-year-old, securing a devastating first round knockout after landing a vicious right uppercut which sent August tumbling to the canvas with 40 seconds left on the clock.
When asked whether he felt the result against August meant he should be categorised as a legitimate boxer, Paul told Mail Sport: ‘Yeah, 100 per cent. That’s why I keep saying I am going to be a world champion.
‘It’s because I am such a talent athlete. Just look at these biceps. They’re just absolutely filled with power and devastation. These guys don’t have what it takes. Just because they’ve been doing it their whole lives doesn’t mean they’ve been doing it right.’
He went on to add: ‘This is what I was destined to do. You can’t see it right now but there are about 40 people in this room and these are the people I fight for.
‘It’s very serious. People always doubt us, doubt this family and doubt this team but we keep proving them wrong. But, this is my life. This is what I was built to do and I will continue to make history.’
Paul is focused on avenging his points defeat to Tommy Fury next – after losing to the Love Island star in February 2023.
Paul (right) is determined to avenge his points defeat to his fierce rival Tommy Fury (left)
Fury believes his knockout triumph (pictured) over Andre August proves he is legitimate
Fury won the fight by split decision – with the judges calling the bout 76-73, 76-73, 74-75 in his favour – but found it tougher than he had predicted as he was knocked down and faced a point deduction for holding.
Paul had insisted following the bout that he would activate the rematch clause in the contract they signed, something which was echoed by Tommy’s dad and trainer John Fury.
However, nothing has been confirmed despite positive conversations – with John Fury telling Mail Sport Paul and his family had ‘a nice, intelligent and respectful conversation’ in January, 2024.
When asked where negotiations stood at the moment, Paul told Mail Sport: ‘Listen, that bloke [Tommy Fury] ain’t s***. He needs me. When he gets offered 75k for his next fight, he’s going to realise all of his doors and all of his opportunities lead back to me. We’ve tried to make the fight happen, but the offer has now lowered.’
However, Paul did praise Fury for his boxing IQ and stated those diminishing his ability because of the calibre of opponents he’s been facing are ‘hyper critical’.
He said: ‘Tommy has been boxing since he’s been six years old. The fact people don’t call him a true professional is just hyper critical of him. He comes from one of the most legendary boxing blood lines and for me, it’s a fight that’s personal.
Paul has again taken aim at Fury, saying he ‘ain’t s***’, and believes a rematch will happen
Paul is eyeing up a bout against Canelo, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport
‘It’s not about appeasing anybody else. It’s about my revenge and avenging that loss. Showing people that I am the better fighter and that he caught me on a lucky night.’
After avenging his loss to Fury, Paul wants to take on Canelo.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer’s aim to face Canelo, still considered by many as one of the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, is as brave as it is far-fetched.
However, Paul is convinced he has what it takes to beat the Mexican despite Canelo previously stating he was ‘levels above’.
Speaking to Mail Sport about the Canelo fight, Paul said: ‘The way things are looking, I am Canelo’s size now. Maybe he will stop ducking me and finally get in the ring with me.
‘I’ve got the bling, I’ve got the glasses, I’m the cover of sports illustrated as you can see on my shirt, so I am the man in the game now. Canelo has to put his money where his mouth is.’