UNBEATEN boxing prospect Craig Parker has confirmed he would take a fight with Jake Paul.
The challenge comes in response to the YouTube boxing star – who promoted Katie Taylor’s win over Amanda Serrano – taking Parker’s spot on WBA’s official cruiserweight rankings.
Parker says he would be willing to fight Jake Paul, but does not expect to be taken up on his offer[/caption]
Parker was bumped down to 15th when Paul received a surprise ranking of 14th on WBA’s cruiserweight list[/caption]
Parker, 34, told World Boxing News that he is ready to face Paul, 23, but is unsure whether the influencer will commit to the challenges expected of a ranked boxer.
He said: “I doubt he’ll come knocking. But this sport’s unpredictable, and if the call comes, I’ll be ready.
“I think if they put him there, then stand on it.”
Paul’s cruiserweight ranking of No14 came as a surprise to many boxing fans, and is set to be reviewed next week after complaints from fellow boxers.
The influencer’s previous bouts mostly comprise of battling retired fighters, including legendary strikers such as Mike Tyson and Anderson Silva.
His one loss came in his first fight with a similarly aged and experienced opponent, Tommy Fury – brother of ex-heavyweight champ Tyson Fury.
He took a step up in his last bout – a unanimous decision victory over Julio Chavez Jr in June – but serious doubts remain as to the calibre of his opposition up to now.
Parker said the ranking “gives him the chance to step in the ring with real fighters, guys like me who earned it the long way”.
Paul has been criticised for claiming to be a professional boxer while refusing to fight serious boxing contenders[/caption]
Parker would be Paul’s stiffest competition yet by some margin[/caption]
The American cruiserweight contender last fought in April, stopping Phillip Penson in the second round[/caption]
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But he is not holding his breath for Paul to buck the trend of his previous opponents, saying: “Let’s be real, he’s not lining up to face young, active fighters with records like mine.”
Parker has put together a perfect record through his 20 career fights since 2018.
He is a knockout specialist, with none of his 20 fights ever making it to the final bell.
In fact, it is rare for Parker to even see the second round – seeing just 23 rounds across his 20 career bouts.
Whether the fight goes ahead or not, Parker has made it clear that his real target is a title shot, and a bout with Paul would just be one step on that journey.
