The World Boxing Association has installed Jake Paul at No. 14 in its latest cruiserweight rankings, moving the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer within reach of a shot at champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The elevation comes three days after Paul’s unanimous-decision victory over former middleweight titleholder Julio César Chávez Jr. in Anaheim, which lifted Paul’s professional record to 12-1 with seven knockouts. Paul said the ranking is “only the beginning” and has already challenged Ramirez and WBC champion Badou Jack. Former light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver told TMZ Sports the title opportunity is “closer than we think,” noting that Ramirez is free to make a voluntary defence. Not everyone is convinced: ex-fighter Spencer Oliver labelled the WBA’s decision a “complete mockery,” arguing Paul has bypassed more established contenders. The new standing has also fuelled talk of a crossover bout with former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Paul said he and the 6-foot-6 Briton have exchanged direct messages and are “very likely” to fight next year, a scenario Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn declined to rule out. Joshua has not fought since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September but remains one of the sport’s biggest draws, adding commercial heft to any prospective showdown.