YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will receive a world ranking if he defeats bitter rival Tommy Fury on February 26.
Paul, 26, is scheduled to meet Fury over right rounds in Saudi Arabia after two previous meetings between the pair have collapsed. Fury first withdrew from a fight against Paul in December 2021 due to a bacterial infection and broken rib, also pulling out of their rescheduled meeting last August.
Both men will be hoping for third time lucky when they hopefully step foot in the ring in less than two weeks and WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has now confirmed Paul will earn a cruiserweight world ranking if he wins. " 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 release from the organisation read.
Who wins on February 26 - Jake Paul or Tommy Fury? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
"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 confirmed that Paul would have received a ranking if he beat Hasim Rahman Jr last August, but their fight was cancelled after Paul claimed that Rahman refused to reach the agreed weight limit. Paul has since picked up his sixth professional win against 47-year-old Anderson Silva, winning a decision against the UFC legend last October.
Paul has told Fury to change his last name to Mae, in reference to his partner Molly Mae Hague, if he loses in their grudge fight. 'The Problem Child' previously offered Fury an extra $500,000 if he could beat him in their cancelled fight last year providing the Brit agreed to change his name to Tommy 'Fumbles' if he lost.
Fury is growing sick of Paul's pre-fight bets as he told Mirror Fighting : "You're talking to a professional athlete, all that bull***, I'm here for a fight. There's no name changes, no nothing. All those YouTube bets you've heard him made with other guys in the past, they're all idiots not serious fighters. I'm a serious fighter and I only do fighting, I don't do name changes."
