Dubois Offers Paul a Shot at the IBF Heavyweight Throne
Following his controversial victory over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on Friday, Jake Paul has boldly declared himself the "face of boxing," and with a growing number of fighters calling him out, it's hard to argue with him. The latest and perhaps most jaw-dropping challenge comes from reigning IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois, who has offered Paul a shot at the heavyweight throne.
Paul and Tyson went the full eight rounds at a packed AT&T Stadium, with a reported 60 million Netflix viewers tuning in. While Paul dominated the fight, allowing a stationary Tyson to land only 18 punches, many felt Tyson was being kept around for the spectacle rather than being truly competitive.
Despite being tagged by a few shots, Paul is said to have made a staggering $2.2 million for every punch he took, and in the days following the event, the calls for a showdown with Paul have poured in from former and current world champions like Carl Froch, Artur Beterbiev, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
But it's Dubois' challenge that stands out. In a direct message to Paul, the heavyweight champ offered him a chance at the world title:
“Good business on the weekend, but how would you feel fighting for the legitimate heavyweight championship of the world? This is Daniel Dubois calling you out, let’s get it on.”
Paul responded with a cheeky image of a ticket and a bold message: “Get in line.”
Paul then took to social media to further taunt Beterbiev, referencing his 12 years in the sport and over 100 fights, while pointing out that Dubois, unlike Beterbiev, has a solid fanbase.
“Man’s been boxing for 12 years, has over 100 fights, amateur and pro, and fought on my undercard…hahaha. But f*** it… I’m going to have Nakisa talk to Frankie Warren and get you in line for the throne. Unlike Artur, at least you have a few thousand fans.”
Dubois, who fought on Paul's undercard during his August 2021 bout with Tyron Woodley, is expected to defend his IBF world title for the second time on February 22nd in Riyadh. However, a lucrative meeting with Paul could prove more enticing than facing established rivals in a voluntary defense.
