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Jake Paul is often written off as a YouTuber, a Disney star and an internet celebrity. However, he has earned huge clout and legitimacy in combat sports by going undefeated so far inside the boxing ring. After Jake Paul knocked out former Olympian Ben Askren in round one in April, former UFC champion Tyron Woodley was tipped to beat the younger of the Paul brothers.
But Jake Paul defeated Tyron Woodley as well, proving his doubters, including 'The Chosen One,' wrong. Tyron Woodley will continue to press for a rematch, whether it is for redemption or for another huge pay-day. However, it is up to Jake Paul to call the shots on his next fight.
The internet celebrity-turned-boxer has a hit list that contains several UFC stars, including Conor McGregor. The Irishman is 0-1 in boxing, with his fight against Floyd Mayweather earning him an 'L' and nearly $100 million. Would he be interested in taking on Jake Paul in the boxing ring? More importantly, can Jake Paul extend his winning streak and cause another upset against McGregor?
On that note, here are five reasons why Jake Paul could defeat Conor McGregor in a boxing match.
#5. Jake Paul is bigger than Conor McGregor
One pattern Jake Paul seems to rely on is choosing smaller opponents. Weight classes are meant for a reason in combat sports. But by not adhering to one, Paul ensures he is at an advantage against tougher and more skilled opponents.
Conor McGregor has fought most of his career in the featherweight and lightweight categories. Only two of his UFC fights have come in the welterweight class. Even if McGregor comes in a little heavier for the Jake Paul fight, the internet celebrity would be the bigger fighter.
Jake Paul is 6' 1" and weighs 195 pounds. In comparison, Conor McGregor would be at a great disadvantage at 5' 9" and 155 pounds. So despite being a seasoned MMA veteran with more than a decade of experience, he would have difficulties against Paul in a boxing fight.
As seen in the fight between Woodley and Paul, Conor McGregor too, would likely spend most of the time trying to get out of Paul's reach or past it.
#4. Jake Paul is a trained boxer
Like it or not, Jake Paul is a professional boxer with a 4-0 record. 'The Problem Child' has been training for years in boxing, and is under the guidance of professional combatants. While he might not be on the level of boxing stars like Canelo Alvarez, he does specialize in boxing.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is a super-talented MMA star. but is not a professional boxer. He did face Floyd Mayweather, but was TKO'd by the legend, who was older and smaller than the Irishman. McGregor was stopped by the referee many times during the 'Money Fight', and reminded of the boxing rules.
The unfamiliarity in boxing and lack of recent activity in it could cause problems for the 'Notorious' against Jake Paul too.
#3. Conor McGregor's recent string of losses suggest a decline
Conor McGregor has been enduring a rough patch in his professional career of late. Since defeating Eddie Alvarez in 2016 and becoming the first double champ in UFC history, he has gone 1-3 in MMA and 0-1 in boxing. The once invincible MMA sensation from Ireland has been bested several times. As a result, he has dropped to ninth position in the UFC lightweight rankings.
While McGregor has been talking about taking on boxers like Manny Pacquiao, it is unlikely he wants to do so because of his legacy. Many MMA experts, including former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, has noted that the 'Notorious' has lost some of his ability by being too comfortable and only focusing on money.
Should McGregor duel Jake Paul in a boxing match, it is unlikely he will emerge victorious. Instead, it would more likely result in another landmark win for Paul.
#2. Conor McGregor's leg injury
While Conor McGregor may have lost his mental edge over his opponents, he has endured physical setbacks too.
The freak injury he faced at UFC 264 left him with a fractured tibia. That has cast doubts about the Irishman's fighting career. McGregor has blamed his history of arthritis and stress fractures as the reasons for his latest injury. But another main cause for it is his relative inactivity in recent years.
So it's difficult to say whether McGregor will return to his best if he recovers from his latest setback. It could cost him more activity, and its certainly not going to improve his bone density. Returning after a hiatus would render him vulnerable, especially inside the boxing ring against a younger Jake Paul.
The Irishman is 33 and is not getting any younger. Given his recent injury, any hopes of him rediscovering his old form appear bleak. So a boxing fight against Jake Paul could only prove good for McGregor financially.
#1. Jake Paul is getting better
Jake Paul made his amateur boxing debut against fellow YouTuber Deji Olatunji in 2018. He defeated the British guy via TKO in the fifth round.
Paul turned pro in 2019, picking up a first-round TKO against AnEsonGib, another internet celebrity. His second professional bout was against former NBA star Nate Robinson, whom Paul knocked out in the second round.
After picking up an amateur win, two professional wins, a three-fight knockout streak, Jack Paul has decent momentum. In April 2021, he faced former UFC star and wrestling Olympian Ben Askren in the biggest fight of his career. Quashing the hopes of MMA fans, Paul handed Askren a humiliating loss in round one via knockout.
In his most recent fight, Jake Paul proved that he is only getting better. He faced former UFC champion Tyron Woodley - his toughest challenger yet - but went toe-to-toe with the veteran for eight rounds. Jake Paul eventually won via split decision, a result that was contested by many in favor of the former Disney star.
Despite getting gassed out and standing up against a powerful striker, Jake Paul proved he was only getting better. At just 24, Paul is only approaching his prime and getting better. So against McGregor, Paul could have another routine win.
