When Jake Paul first announced his ambition to become a legit boxer, most people thought he was dreaming in technicolor. The YouTuber‑turned‑punch‑maker had a hit list that read like a kid’s Christmas wish: a mansion, a yacht, and a roster of boxing legends he hoped to knock out of the sky. Fast forward a few years, and Paul has actually crossed off a half‑dozen names, racking up victories (and his first professional loss) while still insisting he’s only getting warmed up.
After a string of wins over fellow influencers, a retired MMA star, and even a former world champion, Paul’s original twelve‑fighter wish list has been pruned, reshuffled and expanded. The latest version, revealed in an exclusive chat with ESPN, reads like a who’s‑who of the sport’s current elite – and a few crossover stars from the UFC. Below is the rundown of who Paul wants to face, why those match‑ups matter, and how realistic each one really is.
From YouTube Fights to the Pro Ranks
Paul’s first foray into the squared circle was a 2020 bout against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib. He followed that up with a knockout of NBA slam‑dunk champ Nate Robinson, a decision win over retired MMA fighter Ben Askren, and a dramatic split‑decision loss to Tommy Fury in 2023. He’s also taken on two former UFC stars – Tyron Woodley (twice) and Nate Diaz – and even knocked out boxing veterans Andre August, Ryan Bourland, Mike Tyson (in a novelty exhibition) and Julio César Chávez Jr.
All told, Paul sits on a 13‑fight record with one blemish, the Fury loss. He was slated to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a November exhibition at Miami’s Kaseya Center, but a civil lawsuit against Davis forced the bout to be scrapped, leaving a key slot on Paul’s original wish list open.
New Targets on the Radar
With the Davis fight off the table, Paul has turned his gaze to fresh challenges. Here’s a look at each name on his updated list, the appeal for Paul, and the hurdles that stand in the way.
Terence Crawford – The Undisputed Super‑Middleweight
Crawford is the reigning, undisputed champion at 168 pounds, boasting a flawless 42‑0 record with 31 knockouts. He recently cemented his pound‑for‑pound status by dethroning Canelo Alvarez for the super‑middleweight crown. Paul admits Crawford would be a “megafight” and respects the American’s place among the sport’s elite.
Realistically, though, Crawford is 38 and has hinted he may be looking toward legacy rather than a massive payday. The champion’s camp has repeatedly said he’s more interested in adding another title than chasing a lucrative bout with a social‑media star. Unless Crawford decides to chase history by stepping into the ring for a novelty fight, this matchup remains a long‑shot.
KSI – The YouTube Rival
KSI (Olajide Olatunji) has already tangled with Paul’s older brother, Logan, twice – a draw in 2018 and a split‑decision loss in 2019. Since then, KSI has built his own boxing promotion, Misfits Boxing, and compiled a 3‑0 record (with one no‑contest) before a loss to Tommy Fury in 2023.
Paul says the KSI fight is “not super realistic” right now, noting a lack of recent communication. Still, promoters on both sides argue the financial upside is too big to ignore. A Paul‑vs‑KSI showdown would pit two of the biggest digital‑era personalities against each other, promising a pay‑per‑view bonanza that could rival a traditional championship fight.
Alex Pereira – UFC Light‑Heavyweight Champion
After a stunning knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, Pereira cemented his status as one of the sport’s most fearsome strikers. Paul, who has already faced MMA talent in Woodley and Diaz, sees Pereira as a perfect bridge between boxing and mixed‑martial‑arts.
The biggest snag? Pereira is under contract with the UFC, and Dana White has historically been wary of letting top fighters cross over to boxing unless the financials are irresistible. Paul claims preliminary talks have taken place, but a UFC‑approved release would be required. If that hurdle can be cleared, the fight would be a historic first: a reigning UFC champion stepping into a boxing ring against a non‑traditional opponent.
Anthony Joshua – Former Unified Heavyweight Champion
Joshua, the British heavyweight who once held the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts, is arguably the most marketable heavyweight on Paul’s list. A fight would give Paul a chance to prove he can handle a true heavyweight, not just a smaller‑weight boxer.
Joshua is recovering from elbow surgery and has hinted at a December return, but a bout with Paul seems unlikely. The heavyweight’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is focused on rebuilding Joshua’s legacy, and a fight with a non‑traditional opponent could be seen as a step back. Still, the U.S.‑vs‑U.K. narrative and the massive pay‑day potential keep the idea alive in the rumor mill.
Tommy Fury – The Rematch Quest
Paul’s lone loss came at the hands of Fury in 2023, a split‑decision that still stings. Fury, now a cruiser‑weight prospect with an 11‑0 record, has continued to climb, beating KSI and Kenan Hanjalic along the way.
Both camps have floated the idea of a rematch, but Fury’s team reportedly demands a price Paul calls “irrational.” Paul says the fight isn’t about money – it’s about settling the score – yet the financial disagreement remains the main barrier. A Paul‑Fury showdown would be the first time the two have met again, and the narrative of redemption would be a strong draw for fans.
Oleksandr Usyk – The Unlikely MMA Crossover
Usyk, the two‑division undisputed champion who now holds the heavyweight crown, recently teased an MMA fight on X (formerly Twitter), saying he’d be “ready for the cage.” Paul sees this as an opportunity to test himself in a completely different combat sport.
Usyk’s focus remains on boxing, and his upcoming bout with Fabio Wardley is already set. Switching to MMA would require a massive shift in training and a willingness to risk his boxing legacy. While the idea is tantalizing for fans of novelty match‑ups, it’s probably the most far‑fetched item on Paul’s list.
Canelo Alvarez – The Four‑Division Champion
Canelo’s recent loss to Crawford left him without a clear next opponent, opening the door for a potential showdown with Paul. The Mexican star once signed a multi‑fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, which led to a brief flirtation with a Paul fight that ultimately fell apart.
Paul says he’s still in talks with Alalshikh and believes the fight could happen if the right money is on the table. For Canelo, a bout with Paul would be a massive payday and a chance to stay relevant in a market hungry for big‑ticket fights. The logistical and promotional hurdles are significant, but the mutual financial incentive makes this one of the more plausible match‑ups.
Ryan Garcia – The Social‑Media Sensation
Garcia, the young welterweight with a massive following, recently suffered an upset loss to Rolando Romero. Despite the setback, his fan base remains huge, and his rivalry with Paul – once friends turned foes – would be a gold‑mine for pay‑per‑view.
Both fighters are savvy promoters, and their camps agree a showdown could happen as early as 2026. The fight would likely be a clash of styles – Garcia’s speed and hand‑speed versus Paul’s power and reach – and could settle a growing personal feud that has spilled over onto social media.
What’s Driving Paul’s New List?
Beyond the obvious desire for bigger paydays, Paul says he wants to prove he can hang with the best, regardless of size or sport. He’s tired of critics saying he only fights “smaller” opponents and wants a heavyweight like Joshua to test his limits. He also wants to keep the buzz alive – a new, high‑profile opponent every year means fresh headlines, ticket sales and streaming revenue.
Financially, Paul’s model relies on massive purses and pay‑per‑view buys. He’s already amassed a fortune from his fights, real estate and brand deals, but each new opponent represents a chance to double or triple that figure. The more mainstream the opponent, the higher the potential revenue – which explains why he’s chasing names like Crawford and Canelo.
How Likely Are These Fights?
Here’s a quick reality‑check:
- Terence Crawford: Low probability unless Crawford seeks a legacy‑building bout.
- KSI: Medium‑high – the financial lure is strong, but both camps need to align.
- Alex Pereira: Low – UFC contracts are a major obstacle.
- Anthony Joshua: Medium – timing and location could make it happen, but Joshua’s focus is on legacy.
- Tommy Fury: Medium – financial demands are the main barrier.
- Oleksandr Usyk: Very low – a switch to MMA is unlikely.
- Canelo Alvarez: Medium‑high – both fighters want the money, and a Saudi‑backed deal could smooth the path.
- Ryan Garcia: High – both have promotional savvy and fan interest.
In the end, the boxing world will watch closely. If Paul can land even a couple of these marquee bouts, he’ll cement his place as more than a novelty act. If not, the dream list will simply become another footnote in the saga of a YouTuber who dared to step into the ring.
