The boxing world is abuzz in the aftermath of Jake Paul’s latest triumph in the squared circle. The social media sensation turned pugilist claimed another high-profile scalp on November 15th, outpointing former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson over eight rounds at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Paul’s victory, though far from emphatic, has once again ignited fervent debates about his boxing future and the sport’s general direction. Critics argue that the 26-year-old’s carefully curated matchups against past-their-prime legends and non-boxers are more spectacle than substance, while supporters laud his ability to generate unprecedented interest and revenue.
What’s Next for The Problem Child?
In the wake of his win over Iron Mike, the question on everyone’s lips is: who will Jake Paul fight next? The brash YouTuber has thus far eschewed facing active, elite-level boxers in favor of more marketable matchups. However, with each successive victory, the calls for Paul to test himself against the sport’s best have grown louder.
Jake’s doing great things for boxing, but he needs to step up his competition. Fight a real boxer in his prime.
– Unnamed boxing promoter
Names like unified light heavyweight champ Artur Beterbiev and heavyweight belt-holder Daniel Dubois have been floated as potential future Paul foes. However, most pundits believe the social media star is more likely to continue on his current path, prioritizing lucrative spectacle fights over dangerous dalliances with the elite.
The Tyson-Paul Numbers Game
While Paul’s pugilistic prowess may be up for debate, his pulling power certainly isn’t. The Tyson fight reportedly generated a staggering $18.1 million live gate, the highest for a non-Vegas boxing event. The PPV buys are expected to be gargantuan.
For Paul and his team, these monetary metrics are vindication of their unorthodox approach. As long as the millions keep rolling in, don’t expect him to deviate from a winning formula.
Rumble on the Horizon
As the boxing world digests the Tyson-Paul fallout, a slew of other intriguing matchups loom large. Chief among them, a potential rubber match between women’s pound-for-pound queenpins Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
Taylor-Serrano 3: Unfinished Business
Taylor and Serrano served up another classic on the Paul-Tyson undercard, with the Irish icon edging a split decision to go 2-0 up in their series. However, like their first encounter, the rematch was razor-close, with many observers scoring it for a frustrated Serrano.
I beat her both times. I want Taylor again, but we gotta do 12 3-minute rounds. Let’s see if her stamina holds up.
– Amanda Serrano on a trilogy fight
Given the money and fan interest their bouts generate, a Taylor-Serrano 3 staged in Taylor’s Irish backyard sometime in 2025 seems inevitable. With the rivalry poised at 1-1 in the eyes of many, a conclusive third chapter is a necessity.
Super Shakur’s Next Move
Shakur Stevenson, boxing’s precocious prince, is still searching for a career-defining foe after Tevin Farmer pushed his latest proposed opponent, William Zepeda, to the brink. Though Zepeda won a split decision, he suffered an arm injury that has derailed a planned February date with Stevenson.
If and when Shakur and Zepeda trade leather, it has all the makings of the toughest test of Stevenson’s career. The undefeated Mexican is a relentless pressure fighter with the stamina and guile to drag Shakur into deep waters.
Valdez Seeks Vengeance
Meanwhile, Oscar Valdez will attempt to wrest the WBO junior lightweight title back from Emanuel Navarrete on December 7th. Navarrete coasted to a lopsided points win in their first encounter, but Valdez remains convinced he has the beating of his nemesis.
I made mistakes in the first fight, fought his fight. This time I’ll box, use my superior skills. I’ll make Navarrete look clueless.
– Oscar Valdez on the rematch
The Future is Now
Amidst the circus sideshow attractions, boxing’s future will also be on display in the coming months. Rising welterweight star Vergil Ortiz Jr, fresh off a career-best win over Serhii Bohachuk, is rumored to be facing off against Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a mouthwatering matchup of undefeated young guns.
Both men ooze charisma and carry volcanic power in both fists. Their meeting, likely on the February Riyadh card, has connoisseurs salivating over a potential Fight of the Year candidate.
Boxing’s Balancing Act
As we careen into 2025, boxing finds itself at a fascinating juncture. The Paul’s of the world – brash, divisive, social media savants – have undeniably attracted eyeballs and dollars aplenty. Their emergence has opened up the sport to entire new demographics.
However, the sweet science’s soul still resides in the gyms and back alleys, with the Ortiz’s, the Ennis’s, the hungry young lions willing to face all comers. For every Tyson-Paul megashow, there must be a Stevenson-Zepeda, a purist’s delight simmering on the undercard.
Appeasing the casuals while still sating the aficionados, that is boxing’s great balancing act in 2025. The Ringside Circus looks guaranteed to rumble on, but The Sweet Science still reigns supreme.
