BREAKING NEWS: Jake Paul’s Dream – Conor McGregor $50M Fight and Tommy Fury Deal Set .giang

Controversy magnet Jake Paul’s decisive victory over Mike Tyson has sparked discussion about whom he’ll fight next.

‘The Problem Child’ has yet to defeat a legitimate, top-ranked boxer, but speculation is nonetheless rife about where his career is taking him. Paul, 27, had little difficulty defeating ‘Iron Mike’ over 16 minutes of action, but fans and critics alike are hoping his next opponent will present more of a challenge.

There are several potential paths Paul could take in 2025 to give his fans what they want. The Ohio native has been savvy in choosing opponents that will offer maximal reward and minimal threat to date, but taking on a bit more risk could pay off next year.

• ‘I beat a world champion – Jake Paul is now ranked higher than me after Mike Tyson win’
• Netflix sued for ‘breach of contract’ over Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight stream

Conor McGregor accepts the challenge

Given Paul has prioritized prize fights against older opponents to date, a bout against Conor McGregor could be his best next move. After all, it wouldn’t be his first time defeating a UFC fighter, even though ‘Notorious’ hasn’t stepped into the ring in almost four years.

Hall of Famer Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley (twice), Ben Askren, and Mike Perry have each fallen to the online personality. However, a face-off with arguably the most famous MMA star of all time would eclipse the reputation and potential earnings of all those victories combined.

Back in December 2020, Paul publicly challenged McGregor and dangled a $50million (£40m) carrot for the fight. The YouTuber, with a record of just 2-0 at the time, cheekily highlighted McGregor’s TKO defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr as being his only taste of the pro sport.

After his victory over Tyson, Paul took to social media to challenge McGregor, 36, to a fight in his own kingdom. But the logistics mean Paul – who is currently signed to the PFL – faces his toughest task yet in agreeing such a deal.

“Dear Conor, I know you told my team you would fight me at 170lbs,” wrote the American this month. “That’s never happening. But let’s run it in MMA. No weight class. Just like how it used to be done. But you won’t.”

McGregor – who has not hidden his disdain for Paul in the past – expressed his desire for Tyson to “rattle the little dope”, not seeing that wish come true. Despite their nine-year age difference and other disparities, a hefty payday might just be the key to bringing him back into the ring.

Tommy Fury redemption

As for Paul’s rivalry with Tommy Fury, the only stain on Paul’s 11-1 record is his split decision loss to the English up-and-comer in February 2023. Despite the passage of time, the animosity between the two seems as intense as ever.

A rematch with Tyson Fury’s half-brother hangs in the balance but is a matchup Paul undoubtedly desires. Despite these doubts, Fury – who’s gearing up to face ex-UFC star Darren Till – told ESPN it’s “inevitable” the pair will throw down once more.

“In a heartbeat, yeah,” he said when asked if he felt the rematch will happen. “I mean at the end of the day I think me and him, we’re set in stone. He’s only got one defeat and that’s to me, so it’s inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring.”

When it comes to settling scores, Paul’s ex-mentor, BJ Flores, told The Sun that former rival Fury was “unreasonable” about the cash it would take to climb back into the ring. Yet, for Paul, any chance to redeem his only loss could be worth its weight in gold.

World champion opportunity

IBF heavyweight champ Daniel Dubois slid into Paul’s DMs post-Tyson fight with an eye-popping proposal. The Brit challenged his American counterpart to a title fight, and Paul was only too quick to share details of the exchange.

“Hi Jake,” wrote Dubois. “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.”

Dubois, who recently knocked out Anthony Joshua, was told by his target to “get in line,” although Paul did mention he’d contemplate the offer. He seemed more receptive to this proposal than the one from undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, who also offered Paul a shot at his belts.

“@JakePaul what can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champion. Just know I’m always open to any suggestions,” Beterbiev posted on Instagram. In response, Paul claimed he “runs this sport” but has not yet accepted or declined the challenge.

If he genuinely wants to establish a lasting legacy in the sport, then defeating McGregor like Mayweather did, avenging his only career loss against Fury, and then challenging a reigning world champion would make 2025 a highly successful year for him.