JAKE PAUL can work himself into a shock WBC world title shot by beating Tommy Fury.
The celebrity boxing rivals are finally set to fight, on February 26 in Saudi Arabia, after Fury twice pulled out before due to injury and visa issues.
And the stakes have been raised for Paul after the WBC announced he will earn a world ranking should he win.
A statement read: “WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, confirms that if Jake Paul wins his upcoming bout against Tommy Fury, The WBC ratings committee will rank him in the Cruiserweight division.”
For any contender to contest for a WBC title, they would need to be ranked within the governing body.
Meaning, should he beat Fury and be placed in the ratings, it clears his path to a shot at the world championship.
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Paul, 26, is 6-0 since turning professional in 2020, but is yet to face a recognised boxer.
Fury, 23, will be his first, causing outrage over his potential WBC ranking.
When 13-1 heavyweight Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, replaced the Brit in August, the WBC confirmed a win would earn Paul a ranking.
But the fight got cancelled on just a week notice due to a weight disagreement.
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Paul instead went onto beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in October, his biggest win to date.
The YouTuber-turned boxer was rewarded a made up WBC “amateur” belt for his white collar win over KSI’s brother Deji in 2018.
And he has maintained a good relationship ever since with WBC boss Sulaiman.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
