Jake Paul tipped to fight for world title despite Anthony Joshua KO defeat

David Adeleye still believes Jake Paul will wriggle his way into world title contention despite losing to Anthony Joshua.

Paul took on Joshua in what was a complete mismatch on paper as he made a ginormous step up to the real world of boxing in the heavyweight division.

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And the former two-time world champion brutally stopped Paul in the sixth round after clinging on for dear life, with many suggesting it ended his chances of competing at the top level.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer’s rise has been met with contention, given his decisions to fight limited opposition, while suggesting he will become world champion.

Now he faces a strange crossroads after a second career defeat, where he will assess his options after recovering from a broken jaw.

Paul suggested instead that he will return to cruiserweight next and still has ambitions of launching an assault on the world level ranks.

And despite his brutal defeat, Adeleye expects he will do exactly that, although he isn’t sure if he will be able to win a world title.

He said on the latest episode of talkBOXING: “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.

“If you are a champion, and you can get a certain amount of money, why not? You would take it.

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“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.”

Who could Jake Paul fight next?

Paul is likely to take an extended break from the boxing ring to focus on his personal life in the coming months.

But it is anticipated he will indeed return in 2026 and attempt to once again secure lucrative paydays.

One of the most likely options appears a rematch with bitter rival Tommy Fury who beat him in 2023.

Fury is considered a boxer with traditional background in the sport, but has himself been extremely inactive in recent years.

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A rematch with Paul has always been on the cards, but the pair have yet to agree on terms.

Outside of that, ‘El Gallo’ could well look to pursue clashes with boxers in the world rankings from the cruiserweight division.

Should he look to earn a shot at a champion, he will need a ranking himself to force the issue.