WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed the upstart boxer Jake Paul will receive an official cruiserweight ranking if he is successful next weekend against Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia.
The two undefeated rivals are set to fight a week from Sunday in a bout which has twice been axed in the past. While there had been little other than bragging rights on the line (as well as a sizeable payday for both men), it was thought that the primary motivation for both was to escape the ignominy which would come with losing face.
But for Paul at least, he is fighting for something more: an official spot in the WBC’s cruiserweight rankings.
‼️ WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has announced that Jake Paul will be officially ranked in the WBC cruiserweight world rankings if he beats Tommy Fury on Feb 26th.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 15, 2023
“Jake Paul has been close to the WBC for several years, starting with the first event promoted in the UK when his brother, Logan, fought KSI; On that night Jake won the WBC amateur belt in the undercard fights,” a WBC press release read on Wednesday.
“Jake has dedication and respect to the sport and the WBC will not tolerate discrimination against anyone, he deserves the opportunities that any other boxer has. He demonstrated punching power and improved skills as well as a solid chin, Tommy Fury represents a clear challenge to Paul in a battle of two undefeated professional boxers. Jake has enrolled in VADA testing Clean Boxing Program, yet another strong reason to support his stance as a boxer.”
Sulaiman also stated that Paul would have received a ranking had he defeated Hasim Rahman Jr. last year in their ultimately cancelled boxing match. Paul would just weeks later take on UFC legend Anderson Silva where he defeated the longtime former middleweight champion by decision, dropping him along the way.
