Jake Paul has mocked "clowns" Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis for their early opponents, joking that he should fight a lower calibre of oppponent to follow their example.
Paul looks set to fight Tommy Fury, a 7-0 prospect with a following in the millions and boxing pedigree that includes his brother Tyson, the world heavyweight champion.
And he has noted that it's quite a difference from the level of opponent Alvarez or Davis, considered two of the best fighters in the world at the moment, took on art the same stage.
"7-0 Fury doesn’t cut it for my 5th fight," Paul said in a tweet, just days after Davis insinuated he was a "clown" at a press conference for his upcoming fight with Rolando Romero.
"I’m fighting either Hector Lopez or Javier Martinez next!! Hector was 'Tank's' [Davis' nickname] 8th opponent, came in 0-0 and retired 0-1. Hector was an MMAer who was 2-0
"Javier was Canelo's 10th opponent, entered the fight 0-0 and retired at 0-1."
Paul has yet to fight an opponent with a professional boxing record, although he did only lace up the gloves for the first time himself three-and-a-half years ago.
He was initially called out for a white collar boxing match by fellow YouTube star Deji Olatunji, and only fought once in the amateurs before moving to professional level early last year.
And Paul's management stable BAVAFA Sports, run by former UFC Chief Financian Officer Nakisa Bidarian, further questioned if the YouTube star should be fighting lower level opponents in a bid to be considered a "real boxer".
"Let us spell this out for you," Bidarian's company posted on Instagram last night.
Do you agree with Jake Paul's assessment of Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis' early careers? Let us know in the comments section!
"Jake is fighting tougher competition than todays “biggest” boxers did much later in their career… Even though they had extensive amateur careers prior to becoming professionals.
"Gervonta Davis fought a 2-0 MMA novice in his 8th professional fight (Davis had over 200 amateur fights before turning pro).
"Hector Lopez made his boxing debut against Davis and never boxed again.
"Jake Paul just fought two MMA champions back to back for his 3rd and 4th fight (Jake had one white-collar fight).
"So maybe it’s time Jake starts fighting guys who are there to lose, or “tomato cans”, like most boxers do in the early stages of their career to build their record.
"Then will Jake be a real pro boxer?"
Paul fought fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, real name Ali Al-Fakhri, in his professional debut, before facing basketball star Nate Robinson later last year.
And while 'Gib' had comfortably won his two amateur bouts and been in boxing for longer than Paul, Robinson was a raw beginner, and both men were stopped within seconds.
He then moved on to former Bellator and ONE FC champion Ben Askren, who was known during his MMA career for being one of the great wrestlers in the sport's history, but an extremely limited striker.
However, he took a considerable step up in fighting former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in August, with Woodley known for some brutal knockouts during his run in the promotion.
And now fighting Fury in just his sixth sanctioned bout ever, Paul does appear to be making gradual steps up in opponents as he looks to build his legitimacy in the boxing world.
