Full Breakdown
Jake Paul Stripped of WBA Ranking Following Anthony Joshua Defeat
1/2/2026, 7:50:32 PM
Overview of the Event
Jake Paul has been removed from the World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight rankings following a sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua on December 19, 2025. This defeat marked Paul's second career loss and has significant implications for his boxing career.
Details of the Fight
Paul entered the WBA rankings at No. 14 in July 2025 after defeating former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. However, after his bout with Joshua, he was dropped to No. 15 before being entirely removed from the rankings in the New Year's Eve update. During the fight, Paul was knocked down multiple times, suffering a fractured jaw that required surgery. The fight was characterized as one-sided, with all three judges scoring every round in favor of Joshua, including a 10-7 score in the fifth round.
Impact on Jake Paul's Career
The removal from the WBA rankings means that Paul is no longer eligible to compete for a world title, as a top-15 ranking is necessary for such opportunities. This setback has forced Paul to reconsider his ambitions in boxing, as he will need to rebuild his standing within the sport. Following the fight, Paul expressed disappointment, stating he believed he was performing well until the momentum shifted. He acknowledged the challenges of facing a larger opponent and noted areas for improvement in his training regimen.
Official Statements & Responses
Paul's manager, Nakisa Bidarian, provided an update on his recovery, stating, “He feels good... recovery will last 5-6 weeks. And he is determined to return to boxing in 2026.” This statement reflects Paul's commitment to returning to the sport he loves, despite the recent setback.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to rank Paul in the WBA was met with criticism from other boxers, notably Craig Parker, who expressed his discontent over Paul's ranking, calling it "disgusting news." Parker emphasized that fighters like himself have worked hard to achieve their rankings and questioned the legitimacy of Paul's credentials, particularly given his recent opponents. He suggested that credibility in boxing should be earned through competition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the WBA's decision to remove Paul from the rankings is clear, there are differing opinions on whether he deserved to be ranked in the first place. Some experts argue that Paul's previous victories against aging opponents do not warrant a place among top contenders, while others acknowledge his impact on the sport, particularly in promoting women's boxing.
What's Next for Jake Paul
As Paul recovers from his injury, he is expected to take a break from competitive boxing. His future plans remain uncertain, but he aims to return to the ring later in 2026. Meanwhile, Joshua is also facing challenges, having been involved in a car accident that resulted in the tragic loss of two close friends, which may affect his own boxing schedule.
