Bryce Hall Defends Jake Paul’s WBA No. 14 Spot After Chavez Jr. Triumph
Coffee is bubbling and I have to spill this spicy boxing tea faster than my mug cools because Bryce Hall just threw down in defense of Jake Paul’s official World Boxing Association position. TMZ Sports broke the news that the WBA named Paul the No. 14 cruiserweight after his victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on July 12, 2025, but social media and fellow fighters raised eyebrows right away. Hall, the TikTok sensation turned pugilist, says that ranking is not only deserved but long overdue, pointing out Paul’s wins over Mike Tyson, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz to date.
Hall’s comments came during a sit-down at Sweet Butter Kitchen in Los Angeles this week, where he told TMZ Sports that critics like cruiserweight Craig Parker, who branded the ranking “a slap in the face,” need to take a timeout. “This guy is stepping in, facing legends, and handling business,” Hall said, referencing official WBA records and Paul’s fight résumé. The former fight-squad member knows a thing or two about hype and hard hits, having boxed Austin McBroom in 2021 and duked it out in a bare-knuckle match with Gee Perez in 2023.
TMZ reports confirmed that the WBA’s initial announcement followed public backlash, prompting an internal review of the No. 14 spot. Parker’s ire echoed across Twitter, where boxing fans argued Paul cherry-picks opponents. Hall fired back that every athlete picks fights, but Paul’s choice of household names has spiked pay-per-view buys and sold-out arenas—metrics visible in combat-sports databases and noted by industry analysts at BoxingScene. “Jake isn’t hiding—he’s going toe to toe with icons,” Hall said, adding that fresh eyeballs on boxing means boosted revenue for everyone involved.
He also shared his own aspirations to channel Paul’s momentum in his budding fight career. Hall confirmed he’s still itching for a battle with Kimbo Slice Jr after the bout was scratched earlier this year. When asked if that matchup is back on, Hall grinned and hinted that fans should keep their eyes peeled for an official announcement soon—echoes of the curiosity generated by Paul’s next opponent teasers on social channels.
By defending Paul’s WBA rank, Hall is stoking debate over influencer-athletes’ place in traditional boxing hierarchies. Is the 14th spot a rightful recognition or a PR win tailored for viral traction? Either way, Hall insists the numbers don’t lie, citing ticket sales cited by BoxRec and verified social engagement reported by SportsPro Media. Boxing purists may scoff, but there is no denying the pay-per-view dollars and digital chatter Jake Paul brings.
Can Bryce Hall keep up the same energy in the ring and on air? Stay tuned for more fight announcements, clash confirmations, and that next viral ring walk—because I have so much more tea ready to spill. I swear, I could chatter about this all day.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ Sports, World Boxing Association
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
