Jake Paul Drops Out Of WBA Rankings After Rough Outing Against Anthony Joshua
Jake Paul’s ambitious ascent in the world of professional boxing has hit a significant snag. Following his knockout loss to former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially removed Paul from its cruiserweight rankings. The decision marks a major setback for the social media star-turned-boxer, who had gained a controversial but official foothold in the sport’s legitimate rankings.
The Brutal Aftermath of a Heavyweight Gamble For Jake Paul
The catalyst for Paul’s removal was his December 19 bout against Anthony Joshua. In a bold move, Paul stepped up to the heavyweight division for only the second time in his career to face one of its most formidable figures. The fight proved to be a harsh lesson in the realities of elite-level boxing. Joshua dominated the contest, outstriking Paul 48-16 before delivering a decisive knockout in the sixth round. It was the first time in Paul’s 14-fight professional career that he had been stopped by an opponent.
The physical toll of the fight was severe. Paul later revealed he had suffered a broken jaw and required surgery to have two titanium plates inserted on each side of his mouth, along with the removal of some teeth. The loss dropped his professional record to 12-2. While the fight was contested at heavyweight, the decisive nature of the defeat prompted the WBA to re-evaluate his standing in the cruiserweight division, where he had been ranked.
A Brief and Controversial Ranking
Jake Paul’s entry into the WBA’s official rankings was a notable event in itself, sparking considerable debate within the boxing community. He first appeared in the cruiserweight top 15 in July 2025, checking in at No. 14 after securing a victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. This ranking was significant because it made him technically eligible to challenge for a world title, a goal Paul has vocally pursued.
His position was a testament to his ability to draw massive audiences and generate revenue, but it was also a source of criticism from boxing purists who felt he had not faced the caliber of opposition necessary to warrant such a high placement. Despite the controversy, Paul held onto his spot, even as he was dropped to 15th in the rankings in November 2025, around the same time a planned exhibition with Gervonta Davis was canceled. His loss to Joshua, however, proved to be the final straw for the sanctioning body.
Updated WBA Cruiserweight Landscape
With Paul’s exit, the WBA’s cruiserweight division has a new look. The updated rankings reflect a list of seasoned professionals and rising contenders vying for a shot at the title currently held by champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez. The new top 15 is a roll call of fighters who have worked their way up through traditional boxing channels.
The updated WBA cruiserweight top 15 includes:
- (Vacant/Not Applicable for Champion)
- Leonardo Mosquea
- Lenar Perez
- Aloys Youmbi
- Mike Perez
- Yuniel Dorticos
- Aleksei Egorov
- Chris Billam-Smith
- Aleksei Papin
- Robin Sirwan Safar
- Roman Fress
- Giovanni Cristian Scuderi
- Pat Brown
- Liam Callanan
- Edin Puhalo
Edin Puhalo now occupies the No. 15 spot that Paul formerly held, closing the door on Paul’s immediate path to a title shot within the WBA framework.
What’s Next for ‘The Problem Child’?
For Jake Paul, this development forces a moment of career reflection. His journey from YouTube sensation to a ranked professional boxer has been unprecedented, blending spectacle with genuine athletic endeavor. He has successfully brought new, younger audiences to the sport and has demonstrated a real dedication to his training.
However, the loss to Joshua and his subsequent removal from the rankings serve as a stark reminder of the gap that still exists between his current skill level and the elite tier of the sport. To regain a legitimate ranking, Paul will likely need to return to the cruiserweight division and secure victories against credible, ranked opponents. His path forward will involve not just recovery from his significant injuries but also a strategic decision about the level of opposition he will face as he attempts to rebuild his boxing credentials from the ground up.
