Jake Paul has been told that should he beat Tommy Fury in their fight on February 26 that he will be rewarded with a place in the World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight rankings.
The top 40 fighters are ranked by the Mexico City based organisation in each weight division and should Paul be able to beat Fury in their Saudi Arabia fight, the the sanctioning body have confirmed that he will take his place. Bizarrely, there has been no comment on whether the same opportunity will be handed to Fury, although he is listed as a light-heavyweight on BoxRec.
Beating the undefeated Fury would be a big achievement for Paul, with the former Love Island contestant's 8-0-0 record the product of a boxing career which began when he was a child. Paul, meanwhile, has beaten some accomplished fighters, but with their MMA background he is yet to prove his worth against a full-time boxer such as Fury.
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In a statement released on Wednesday, the WBC rationalised their decision, explaining: "Jake has dedication and respect to the sport and 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."
The fight night takes place in Saudi Arabia on February 26 and tops the bill on a card which also sees the WBC cruiserweight title decided as Badou Jack challenges Ilunga Makabu on what will be a big night. The winner pf that fight is unlikely to be looking over their shoulder, however, with both Paul and Fury a long way off title contention at present.
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