Jake Paul’s next fight: Who are Paul’s best options after the Canelo Alvarez saga?

As the dust settles around Jake Paul’s failed attempt to secure a fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on May 3, it’s time for “El Gallo” to turn back the clock and channel his inner “Problem Child.”

Before Paul’s high-profile bout against Mike Tyson in November, he was fighting lower-tier professional boxers on DAZN non-PPV cards to build his résumé and sharpen his skills. His ultimate goal was to earn a shot at a world title. However, his name recognition and popularity have proven to be more than enough to attract bouts with world-class boxers. Why take the long road when shortcuts are available?

When Paul first entered the boxing world, his strategy was clear: Create rivalries, deliver fights fans want to see, and make a fortune doing it. Paul understood that his path to success wasn’t about fitting into boxing’s traditional hierarchy, but rather about disrupting it entirely.

With the “Canelo” fight off the table, here are five opponents Paul could face to soften the disappointment of this past week and maintain his momentum.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the son of Mexico’s legendary boxing icon, presents an intriguing option. A former WBC middleweight champion whose skills have significantly declined, Chavez Jr. (54-6-1, 34 KOs) offers Paul a winnable yet credible challenge.

The fight is relatively low-risk, given that Chavez Jr. has already suffered a loss to a 46-year-old Anderson Silva — a fighter Paul has defeated.

Additionally, a matchup between Paul and Chavez Jr. would generate significant interest, particularly in boxing hotspots like Las Vegas or somewhere in Texas, where Mexican fight fans would be eager to tune in.

KSI

The long-standing rivalry between Paul and KSI has been brewing for eight years, making it one of the most anticipated fights in the influencer boxing scene.

KSI, who is also a business partner with Paul’s older brother Logan, boasts a massive U.K. fan base. A fight between the two could potentially fill Wembley Stadium, creating one of the largest spectacles in crossover boxing history.

Financially, this bout is Paul’s biggest commercial opportunity, with the potential to break streaming records on platforms like Netflix or DAZN. Given the history, global appeal and mutual animosity, this fight remains one of the most compelling and lucrative options for Paul.

Tommy Fury Rematch

Tommy Fury (10-0, 4 KOs) is the only fighter to have handed Paul a professional loss, making a rematch a logical next step. A second fight would allow Paul to showcase his growth since their first meeting, proving whether he has truly improved as a boxer.

The Fury family, always entertaining and outspoken, would add another layer of excitement to the buildup. If Paul manages to win, the rivalry could evolve into a trilogy, further amplifying its stakes and drawing even more attention to the sport.

Darren Till

One-time UFC title challenger Darren Till brings a major MMA audience into the mix. Till, known for his aggressive fighting style and striking abilities, recently secured a dominant knockout victory over Anthony Taylor under the Misfits Boxing banner, proving he has the power and skill to compete in the boxing ring.

His transition from the UFC to boxing makes him a potentially exciting opponent for Paul, as eyeballs from both sports would tune in to see how Till’s experience translates into the squared circle. With his striking pedigree and name recognition, Till represents a formidable challenge and an opportunity for Paul to further establish his boxing credibility.

Adding to the intrigue, Fury was originally scheduled to fight Till but backed out, reportedly fearing that Till would kick him in the ring. KSI, however, believes Fury withdrew after hearing unsettling sparring stories from Till’s training camp, making a potential fight with Paul even more enticing.

Kevin Lerena

If Paul is serious about making a run at a legitimate boxing title, a fight against WBC bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena would be a significant step.

Although the 224-pound bridgerweight division is relatively new in terms of mainstream recognition, Lerena (30-3, 14 KOs) holds an established world championship, and defeating him would solidify Paul’s credibility. Lerena has called out Paul multiple times, even posting about it on social media.

A fight in South Africa, where Lerena has a strong following, could add a unique global dimension to Paul’s career. Given Paul’s positive relationship with the WBC, this fight stands a strong chance of receiving sanctioning, making it a viable option for his title aspirations.

Final Thoughts

While the dream of facing “Canelo” may be out of reach for now, Paul still has plenty of high-profile opponents to choose from.

Whether he opts for a lucrative rivalry fight, another crossover event with an MMA opponent, or a potential world title shot, his next move will shape the trajectory of his career. With the eyes of the combat sports world watching, Paul’s decision will determine whether he continues as boxing’s leading disruptor or takes a more traditional path toward in-ring legitimacy.