JAKE PAUL has been backed to “worm his way” into a shock world title fight – despite his brutal knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was beaten in six rounds by AJ in Miami – with 33 MILLION watching on Netflix.
Paul was down four times with a crushing right hand breaking his jaw in two places and closing the show in emphatic style.
Despite the painful injury, the American has vowed to fight on.
And former training partner David Adeleye believes Paul’s popularity and marketability could one day land him a title shot.
Adeleye said on talkSPORT: “I see him getting back in the ring in 2026 to prove a point.
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“At what level nobody knows? It depends on his motivation. If he stays grounded they may match him perfectly.
“I think he could end up worming his way into a world title shot if he beats people at regional level in America.
“If he chooses certain fights and gets ranked top ten at the cruiserweight division, it could be a voluntary defence.
“If you are a champion, and you can get a certain amount of money, why not? You would take it.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua – latest reaction
Jake Paul down four times before Anthony Joshua wins
Anthony Joshua beat Jake Paul in a Netflix superfight in Miami – but viewing fans were not impressed with what they saw.
The two-time heavyweight champion was expected to steamroll the former YouTuber but it took him SIX rounds to get rid of the game American.
Paul was down four times in the fight but fans, commentators and even the referee criticised the pair for a lack of action and punches thrown.
Joshua called out Tyson Fury after the fight while Paul revealed he had suffered a gruesome broken jaw.
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“Getting a world title fight, I’m not saying he’s going to win it, but 100 per cent I think he could box for one.
“Beating the champion is a different ball game though.”
Joshua, 36, is expected to return in the new year in Saudi Arabia in a build-up fight to Tyson Fury, 37, also set to make a comeback in 2026.
Meanwhile Paul, 28, said immediately after his loss to AJ that he will NOT retire and instead drop back down to the cruiserweight division.
He said: “We’re going to heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight and go for the cruiserweight world title.
“I’m going to take a little break. I’ve been going hard for six years. I’m going to take some time off.”
