Who Should Jake Paul Fight Next?
Paul made good on his promise to knock out Tyron Woodley, but could he do the same to Anderson Silva? Photo: Instagram
By NUMAAN SAEED
YouTube sensation Jake Paul recently announced he’s fighting again in August in a video by FightHype on March 25.
Paul is 5-0 with 4 K.O.s in his boxing career after his latest knockout of retired UFC fighter Tyron Woodley in the 6th round back on December 18. With the month of Paul’s next match announced, this leads to the obvious question: Who should Paul fight?
In an interview with boxing commentator Teddy Atlas, Paul listed a bunch of names on his roster of potential opponents. The list included Michael Bisping, Tommy Fury, KSI, and Anderson Silva.
The name that clearly makes the most sense is Anderson Silva. He may be a 47-year-old retired UFC fighter, but he has proven himself by beating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a former boxing world champion, last June.
UFC president Dana White agrees. In an interview with TMZ Sports, White said, “You know who you see Jake Paul not calling out: Anderson Silva. He doesn’t want a fight with someone who’s proven in a boxing ring.”
Bisping hasn’t fought since 2017. Former UFC champion and now commentator Daniel Cormier said, “Forget about Michael Bisping. The man has one eye, bad knees, and hasn’t competed in years. Fight Anderson Silva. He’s your size, he’s proven in the boxing ring, and he fits your criteria as he’s a retired UFC fighter.”
Anderson Silva may be 47 years old, but he’s still an active fighter who literally beat a boxing former world champion a decade younger than him last June. He’s Jake Paul’s size and is active in the boxing ring, which will give Paul a serious test – just what the fans want.
Others have said Tommy Fury is the fight to make as he is around the same age and size as Paul and has had a similar career based on quality of opponents. Tommy’s father John Fury stated in an interview with True Geordie, “Tommy and Jake is the fight to make. It was supposed to happen in December. They are both young, hungry to prove themselves, and undefeated fighters who have unfinished business.”
It looks like Paul has mostly ruled Fury out. Paul stated in an interview with Teddy Atlas, “With Tommy, I’m tired of promoting the show all by myself. He hasn’t really had an outstanding performance. Yet for him to be on the top of my list, he’s up there as a potential opponent, but he’s not who I’m looking to fight as of right now.”
KSI was also mentioned, but not seriously. Paul said, “He’s not active enough to honestly stand a chance. I have nothing to gain from fighting him. It's kind of old news now, but hey, if he can get back in the ring and put on a couple decent performances, we can talk.”
Clearly, Anderson Silva vs Jake Paul is the fight to make in August. It’s the win that would earn Paul true respect in the boxing world, which is what he wants.