Jake Paul’s next fight could come against former WBC middleweight title holder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. – with the latter having claimed that the pair’s camps are locked in talks over a potential bout.

The man known as “Problem Child” overcame the ex-world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a landmark bout at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15. Despite controversy over the legitimacy of the Netflix-backed contest, the battle drew in a staggering 108 million reported viewers as Paul prevailed via a points decision.

After this milestone victory for the 27-year-old viral superstar-turned-fighter, he has not been short on offers from would-be next opponents. Perhaps the most significant development in terms of a hypothetical future adversary came as Chavez Jr. claimed his representatives are “in talks” with Paul’s promoters over a potential battle.

The 38-year-old ex-middleweight WBC world champion, who held that title between 2011 and 2012, last stepped into the ring back in June as he defeated Uriah Hall. He told TUDN MEX: “It’s an option (Jake Paul), we’re looking into it, let’s see, this week I have a meeting, maybe it’s a fight I can continue.

“I’d be interested in fighting a champion, but fighting Jake Paul, for the fame and the media, would put me in a position to fight against others,” he continued. “I’m not looking for it, it’s been presented. It’s not concrete, but let’s see what happens.”

Below, the Mirror has compiled together a list of four world champions who have issued callouts to Paul in recent times…

Artur Beterbiev

First up is Artur Beterbiev, who is the undisputed light heavyweight world champion. The Russian fighter took to Instagram recently to tease a potential face off with Paul, saying: “What can you do in [the] ring against the current undisputed champion? while also asserting that he is “always open to suggestions”.

Current undisputed light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev has called out Jake Paul

Current undisputed light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev has called out Jake Paul ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

Remarking upon these comments, Paul said: “Just seen this… Top 5 pound for pound fighter in the world calling me out. Hahahahahhahah. 4 years in and I run this sport,” to which Beterbiev responded: “After four years it’s time to have serious challenges. Didn’t notice your acceptance or rejection… So what are we going to do?”

Daniel Dubois

Next up we have Daniel Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight world champion. Taking to Instagram, the Brit said: “Hi Jake,” ‘Dynamite’ Good business on the weekend but how would you feel fighting for the legitimate heavyweight championship of the world. This is Daniel Dubois calling you out, let’s get it on.”

Daniel Dubois has called out Jake Paul

Daniel Dubois has called out Jake Paul

Offering a response to this callout, Paul said: “Get in line,” later adding: “Man been boxing for 12 years, has over 100 fights between amateur and pro and fought on my undercard…hahaha. But f— it…I’m going to have Nakisa talk to Frankie Warren and get you in line for the throne. Unlike Artur, at least you have a few thousand fans.”

Andre Ward

Meanwhile, former unified super middleweight and light heavyweight title holder Andre Ward appeared open to reversing his retirement to fight Paul. The undefeated pound-for-pound legend confirmed to Stephen A. Smith: “I am open for a discussion.

“Since you (Paul) like fighting older guys, I’m an older guy. I haven’t touched a ring in seven years, so I think it would be interesting.”

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Finally, the former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson has thrown his hat into the ring too. Having last fought in a Fight Circus contest in 2023, “Rampage” called out Paul, saying on social media: “Yo @jakepaul. Watch how you talk to MMA royalty, I’ll fight you in MMA no weight class for no pay. “That’s a great deal.. but i bet YOU won’t. Stop disrespecting people in my f—— sport homie.

Responding to a fan over the prospect of a bout, he added: “I’m good enough to beat the f— out of that kid. I’m just sick of him picking his own opponents in lopsided fights.”