Jake Paul has been offered a WBC bridgerweight world title shot after his win over Mike Tyson.
YouTube-turned-boxer Paul took on 58-year-old heavyweight veteran Tyson in a sanctioned professional bout, the 12th of his career.
And it was a lacklustre affair against the icon who was simply a shell of his self, but he won on points and generated another huge payday in the process.
Paul has spoken of intentions to take the sport seriously, and move focus to becoming a legitimate world champion.
Artur Beterbiev was the first to offer Paul a world title shot after the fight, with the undefeated star holding the undisputed titles at light-heavyweight.
But perhaps in a more realistic scenario, Kevin Lerena, a fighter who dropped IBF heavyweight champion Dubois three times before losing in 2022, has tabled the latest offer.
He currently holds the WBC bridgerweight title and insists that it could well be a unique opportunity for Paul to show how his skills translate against a game opponent.
“I’ve had 34 professional fights and no amateur fights, I’m the WBC bridgerweight champion and former cruiserweight champion,” he told Boxing Social.
“He’d give me my biggest payday without a doubt, but I’m bringing something to the table for him.
“I’m giving him the opportunity to fight for the most prestigious green and gold belt.
“Should I win, people will say you have beaten a YouTuber move on. If he wins, he’s beaten a legit boxer.
“Should he lose, you lost to a world champion it’s okay Jake. It’s a win-win for both sides.
Lerena now holds the WBC bridgerweight belt[/caption]
“You get nothing out of fighting Jake Paul other than the media coverage, fame and money.”
When asked how he’d fare against the ‘Problem Child, he added: “Whole-heartedly I’d go in there to win.
“I’d go in there to smash him and prove the levels to the sport, but he does the same.
“Everyone I speak to wants to see that fight, I spoke to Tyson Fury and he said it’s a no brainer.”
Lerena put up a good display against Dubois, who recently beat Anthony Joshua to be crowned a heavyweight title holder.
He would be a formidable test for Paul, given he has a professional record of 30 wins with three defeats.
Paul has been beaten just once by British star Tommy Fury in 2023, his biggest test against a natural boxer.
And a win over Tyson, who was far from his prime, will not be the examination he needs to push on to world level.
Paul would be a natural at bridgerweight in terms of size, given he has regularly fought around the 200lbs mark.
He has also called out a whole host of other champions and big names including Canelo Alvarez.
