Oleksandr Usyk’s Candid Warning to Jake Paul Goes Unheeded in Boxer’s Unorthodox Career Trajectory
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, celebrated for his technical prowess and undefeated record, once offered a blunt assessment of Jake Paul’s foray into professional boxing. Usyk, when asked for his view on the American YouTuber-turned-boxer, chose just two words: “Stop boxing.” The advice was delivered last year amidst growing speculation about the legitimacy and longevity of Paul’s boxing career, yet the social media star has chosen to chart his own path against sceptics and critics alike.
Jake Paul, widely known as “The Problem Child,” surged into mainstream boxing by way of crossover fights that have attracted both immense attention and controversy. Many in the sport have disparaged Paul for building his record—now 10 wins, 1 loss—mainly against retired mixed martial artists and fellow internet personalities. Unfazed by detractors, Paul continues to seek out high-profile bouts; his ambition recently took him head-to-head with boxing legend Mike Tyson in a global spectacle streamed on Netflix.
The Tyson bout was particularly contentious, given the age difference; Tyson, now 58, had not fought professionally since 2005. Originally scheduled for July last year, the bout was delayed until November due to health concerns but eventually went ahead four months later. Despite Tyson’s long hiatus from competitive boxing, Paul managed to secure a unanimous decision victory in a contest that drew mixed reactions from boxing purists and casual fans alike.
The fight’s reach was extraordinary by any metric. Netflix revealed that over 100 million viewers tuned in live, testifying to both fighters’ durable star power and the crossover appeal of spectacle-driven matches. Despite the feelings among some that the contest did not deliver in terms of quality, the event pushed Paul further into the spotlight and reinforced his determination to keep progressing as a boxer.
Paul’s momentum now carries him towards a clash in late June with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, a former WBC middleweight world champion. The bout in Anaheim, California, is being billed as Paul’s toughest challenge since his sole professional defeat—a split decision lost to Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight king Tyson Fury, in 2023. Should Paul win, it could have significant implications for his ambitions in the cruiserweight ranks and his persistent discourse about chasing a bona fide world title.
Meanwhile, the prospect of a fight between Paul and Usyk lingers in the background. Usyk, unified heavyweight champion with ambitions of building a lasting legacy, has hinted at possible interest in crossover bouts of his own, perhaps even venturing into MMA for the right opportunity. Notably, Usyk’s camp shared an image of a potential MMA match against Paul on social media, adding a speculative twist to the debate around both fighters’ futures.
Usyk’s own schedule remains packed with high-stakes commitments. He is currently preparing for a rematch against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, set for 19th July, with all major world heavyweight belts on the line. Usyk’s promoter, Sergey Lapin, recently remarked that Usyk’s focus remains solely on fighting the best and securing his place among the greats of boxing history, but did not entirely rule out the entertainment value or financial incentives of a crossover event down the track.
For now, Paul is firmly concentrated on his next immediate opponent while keeping an eye on other potential adversaries, including a possible rematch with Fury and even boldly calling out the likes of Anthony Joshua. Speaking recently, Paul insisted, “My goal remains to become a world champion. I want to face the hardest opponents, stage massive bouts, and continue to surprise those who doubt me.”
The split between traditionalists and a new generation of fight fans is palpable, as Paul’s journey encapsulates the fascinating collision of celebrity, sport and business. Whether Paul ever takes Usyk’s pointed advice remains to be seen, but for now, both men seem determined to write their own chapters—however divergent they might be—in the constantly evolving world of boxing.