Jake Paul will be officially ranked among the world’s best cruiserweights by the WBC if he beats Tommy Fury.
The sanctioning body have announced that the YouTuber-turned-boxer will enter their rankings so long as he emerges victorious from his first fight against a professional boxer.
Follow full coverage of Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury HERE
Depending on exactly where he is ranked, this could make Paul eligible for a world title shot in his very next fight.
Each of boxing’s four sanctioning bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO) have a top 15 list for every weight class, which determines eligibility to challenge for world titles.
In truth, this eligibility is normally very flexible regardless.
The WBC extend their list to a full top 40, so it’s unclear whether or not Paul will instantly be able to fight for the world title.
Conveniently, WBC cruiserweight world champion Ilunga Makabu is set to defend the belt against Badou Jack on the undercard of Paul vs Fury.
While it may seem very ambitious, Paul has previously made it clear that he wants to win a boxing world title and so could even look to organise a fight with the winner of Makabu vs Jack in the not-too-distant future.
The WBC’s statement read: “WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, confirms that if Jake Paul wins his upcoming bout against Tommy Fury, the WBC ratings committee will rank him in the cruiserweight division.
“Jake Paul has been close to the WBC for several years, starting with the first event promoted in the UK when his brother, Logan, fought KSI.
“On that night Jake won the WBC amateur belt in the undercard fights.
“Jake has dedication and respect to the sport.
“The WBC will not tolerate discrimination against anyone, he deserves the opportunities that any other boxer has.
“He demonstrated punching power and improved skills as well as a solid chin.
“Tommy Fury represents a clear challenge to Paul in a battle of two undefeated professional boxers.
“Jake has enrolled in VADA testing Clean Boxing Program, yet another strong reason to support his stance as a boxer.
“On February 26, Jake Paul will fight Tommy Fury in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia in a highly expected match and it is being promoted by Skill Challenge Entertainment in an event billed as ‘The Truth’.”
“‘The Truth’ will have as co-feature the WBC cruiserweight championship of the world.
“Defending champion Ilunga Makabu will fight former champion Badou Jack in what promises to be a sensational fight.”
Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury on talkSPORT
talkSPORT has landed exclusive radio rights for the blockbuster boxing showdown between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury.
Our coverage of the fight will start at 7pm on Sunday, February 26 on talkSPORT 2 before switching over to talkSPORT at 9pm ahead of the main event.
talkSPORT.com will bring you all the build-up across fight week, exclusive interviews with both camps and the very latest from Saudi Arabia as well as a live blog on fight night.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
