YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul has officially dropped out of the WBA cruiserweight rankings following his high-profile heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua last month.

Paul, 28, initially entered the WBA cruiserweight list at number 14 in July 2025, after a victory over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. His brief appearance in the rankings was controversial, with many boxing purists arguing that he had bypassed more seasoned contenders.

However, the World Boxing Association (WBA) removed Paul from the rankings in its latest update on 31 December 2025, reflecting the impact of his loss to Joshua.

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What Happened in the Joshua Fight?

During the fight, Paul spent significant portions of the bout evading Joshua, which frustrated fans and critics alike. The contest turned decisively in the fifth round, when Paul was knocked down twice, eventually leading to a stoppage in the sixth round.

The defeat also had a physical toll. Paul suffered a broken jaw, requiring two titanium plates and the removal of several teeth — a stark reminder of the risks of facing an experienced heavyweight like Joshua. This marked the second loss of Paul’s professional career, further impacting his standing in the cruiserweight division.

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WBA Cruiserweight Rankings Update

With Paul’s removal, Bosnia’s Edin Puhalo, who notched his 27th career victory in December 2025, has taken the number 15 spot in the WBA cruiserweight rankings.

Paul’s brief ranking tenure had sparked debate in the boxing community, with critics noting that his rapid rise in the rankings overlooked more established fighters who have spent years climbing the professional ladder.

Despite the setback, Paul remains a high-profile figure in boxing, with a professional record of 12 wins from 14 fights. His fights continue to attract attention from both traditional boxing fans and mainstream audiences due to his crossover fame as a social media personality.

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What This Means for Jake Paul’s Boxing Career

Dropping out of the WBA rankings is a significant moment for Paul, highlighting the difficulty of transitioning from YouTube fame to legitimacy in professional boxing. While the loss to Joshua was expected by many analysts, it also serves as a learning curve for Paul, who may now need to rebuild his career with carefully chosen opponents to regain his ranking and credibility in the sport.

Paul’s future plans remain uncertain, but his fights continue to generate significant media attention, and a return to the cruiserweight or heavyweight divisions could see him climbing back up the rankings if he adjusts his training and fight strategy.