Jake Paul could still get a shot at a boxing world title despite his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.
On December 19, Paul made his return to the boxing ring as the influencer fought former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua in a heavyweight bout at Miami's Kaseya Center.
Paul had originally been scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis on November 14 but the fight was called off as Davis faces legal accusations from his former partner.
Despite exceeding the expectations of many, Paul ultimately lost the fight with Joshua as he failed to make the referee's count following a knockdown in the sixth round, having evaded Joshua throughout the bout.
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However, the loss, which is now the second on Paul's record, may not be enough to stop the 28-year-old from getting a world title shot, according to one pundit.
In recent years, Paul has claimed that he will one day win a world title in boxing, calling for fights with the likes of multiple world championship winner Canelo Alvarez.
To do so, the American would likely need to pick up some more wins against other young fighters in his weight class, rather than the retired boxers or MMA fighters that make up the majority of his professional record.
But according to British professional boxer David Adeleye, Paul is only a few regional wins away from earning himself a title shot, despite losing to Joshua just weeks ago.
Speaking on the latest episode of talkBOXING, Adeleye claimed: "I see him getting back in the ring in 2026 to prove a point.
"At what level nobody knows? It depends on his motivation. If he stays grounded they may match him perfectly.
"I think he could end up worming his way into a world title shot if he beats people at regional level in America.
"If he chooses certain fights and gets ranked top ten at the cruiserweight division, it could be a voluntary defence."
Adeleye continued to argue that, although Paul would maybe not be completely deserving of a title shot, any champion boxer offered a defence against the YouTube star would no doubt happily take it given the risk vs reward of a high-money fight with Paul.
"If you are a champion, and you can get a certain amount of money, why not? You would take it," Adeleye added.
"Getting a world title fight, I'm not saying he's going to win it, but 100 per cent I think he could box for one.
"Beating the champion is a different ball game though."
Paul's fight with Joshua was the fourth time that he faced a professional boxer deemed to be in their prime, with the influencer beating two and losing to Joshua as well as Tommy Fury.
His wins against professional boxers were both first round knockout victories over Andre August in December 2023 and Ryan Bourland in March 2024.
Neither August or Bourland have fought again since losing to Paul.
Topics: Jake Paul, Boxing, Anthony Joshua
Ben McCrum