Undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev has issued a bold challenge to social media star and professional boxer Jake Paul. Following Paul’s controversial victory over 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson, Beterbiev took to Instagram, writing, “What can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champ?” and tagged Paul, signaling his readiness to face off.
Beterbiev and Paul’s public back-and-forth began in 2022, after Paul expressed a preference for fighting Beterbiev over fellow light-heavyweight Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev, now 39 with an impeccable 21-0 record (20 by knockout), responded in 2023 with confidence, saying, “Tell him to call me, call my promoter. I’m ready to fight him. If I’m a real boxing champion, I need to beat guys like Jake Paul in the first round.”
Beterbiev, who solidified his status as the division’s best after defeating Dmitry Bivol in October 2024, is known for his relentless power, with only two of his matches reaching the 12th round.
Jake Paul, holding an 11-1 professional record, has often faced criticism for the nature of his wins, which include matches against non-boxers and retired athletes. His latest match against Tyson was viewed more as a spectacle than a legitimate contest.
A potential match-up would position Beterbiev as the overwhelming favorite, casting doubt on whether Paul’s experience could withstand the test of a champion with Beterbiev’s caliber. The question now remains: will Paul accept the challenge, or will the callout become another footnote in the world of boxing rivalries?
