Jake Paul accused of taking a 'shortcut' to get a boxing title shot

Jake Paul, 28, has faced strong criticism from the boxing community, accusing him of taking a "shortcut" to secure a potential world title opportunity.

Considered one of modern boxing's most polarizing figures, his recent rankings in the WBA at cruiserweight from last month have ignited fierce debate. The incident has left the boxing world divided towards the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

According to Essentially Sports, he defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28, 2025, and achieved the No. 14 ranking in the WBA cruiserweight standings.

This turned his boxing career by making him eligible for a world title fight, further prompting judgment from insiders who disagree with the development.

A look at "shortcut" accusations against Jake Paul

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam‑Smith remains one of the strongest voices against Paul's run for the world title. While sharing his perspective on the turn of events, he pointed out that true and eligible contenders must be evaluated based on their merit. Social media fandom, spectacle, and promotional leverage are not the primary aspects to consider in this race.

In a recent conversation with The Independent, Chris reflected on Jake's fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the winner's ranking, and the monetary exchange in the world of professional boxing. Reacting to the recent incident, he shared,

"Look, obviously they all want to rank him because the governing bodies get paid sanctioning fees, a percentage of purses. So at the end of the day, professional boxing is a business and I understand everyone's reasons for ranking him, but you have to hold some integrity."

Speaking candidly about his personal opinions on Jake Paul being placed at the 14th rank, Billam‑Smith also explained,

"He has to build, he has to be a decent level cruiserweight before you can rank him in the top 15, which means he can get a title shot. That's my view. I think you need to hold some integrity."

Without shying away from expressing his perspectives, he conveyed what he felt after the shift in overall rankings and contenders running behind the prestigious honor. However, he admitted that many people would not agree with his statement, "but that is the way the business is." He further continued,

"I understand people aren't going to agree with it, but that is the way the business is. So until the business changes from its roots, from where it is now, to a complete earning-your-right business, then we can't argue that."

During his interview with The Independent, he also clarified that "a lot of fundamental changes" would need to take place "for that to be the case."

Despite pointing fingers at Jake Paul's "merit," as cited by Dexerto, the former WBO cruiserweight champion assured that he is not completely against the decision of ranking the boxer at No. 14. Further elaborating his views on the concerned bodies' decision, he added,

"I have no issue with him getting ranked. Well, not no issue, but I just understand it. I have no issue with Jake Paul, because he's obviously going to want to maximise everything for him. If he can take a shortcut because of his name, and his fanbase, and the money he brings in, credit to him."

Jake has a huge fan base on social media platforms. From YouTube to Instagram to several other sites, he has successfully built a dominant presence online. Delving into the renowned internet personality's business acumen, Chris also noted,

"He might not be there on a boxing level, but on a business level, he's done really well. So we've got to respect that."

However, he also highlighted the necessity for some credible merit in ranking Jake, detailing,

"But I think there has to be some merit in ranking him. I know the WBO are kind of holding back on ranking him because they can't rank him on (the fact) he beat a career middle/super middleweight, who hasn’t boxed in years, in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. So it's a fine line between that."

Presently, Chris Billam-Smith is paving the path toward another world title opportunity after steadily rising through the British boxing scene and earning a hard-fought title shot. Despite the buzz surrounding Jake Paul potentially jumping the queue for a championship recognition, he is not letting frustration get the best of him. Billam-Smith acknowledged that someone as prominent as Paul might get better opportunities quickly than others.

Chris further told The Independent, as DAZN cited,

"At the moment, right now, I'd be disappointed in him getting a shot before me.  Just because of who he’s boxed – he hasn’t beaten anyone, until he gets even a half-decent win, you can half-understand it and kind of meet in the middle of business and that."

Understanding how the industry works, he later stated,

"I understand it – I'm not naive enough. As much as it shouldn't be that way, I understand it is that way. So you can't be too crazy about it. But ideally I get myself a world title, and then he gets a good win under his belt, and then I get the payday! But look, that's the way the business is and everyone's out for their own, to do the best for themselves. From the champions’ point of view, if they get matched against him, they’ve earned their right to take that shot."

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