Jake Paul might be getting one step closer to his world championship dream, as Gilbert Mendoza, the president of the World Boxing Association, suggested he won’t have an issue with the influencer boxer facing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for a title. However, former world champion Tony Bellew doesn’t think it’s a good idea!

Well, the thing is, after Jake Paul defeated BKFC champion Mike Perry last weekend via a sixth-round knockout, Mendoza hopped on X to share his thoughts about the potential fight. Fast forward to today, the former WBC cruiserweight champion has branded the potential fight a “sad time for boxing”.

Tony Bellew labels Mike Tyson a grandfather

While Paul recorded double-digit wins in his record, Chavez Jr. was also on the same card and won his six-round bout against Uriah Hall, who just fought in his second professional boxing match. Mendoza’s statement about a fight between them for a title didn’t sit well with Bellew, who faced numerous formidable opponents during his career to earn his titles.

Responding to IFL TV, who reported the update from Mendoza, Bellew wrote, “Sad time for boxing if this happens!! I can’t remember the last time Chavez had a win of any kind.” It’s worth noting that before Hall, Chavez Jr. last appeared in the ring all the way back in 2021 when defeated David Zegarra via unanimous decision.

Nonetheless, Bellew added, “As for the other fella he’s chasing a man who’s old enough to be his grandfather!” Interestingly, Mike Tyson just turned 58, and the duo will go toe-to-toe in a cross-generational boxing match on November 15th. Regardless, Bellew isn’t the only one criticizing Mendoza for floating the idea on social media.

Timothy Bradley Jr. fires shots at Jake Paul

During an episode of ‘Deep Water’ from ProBox TV, Mendoza’s tweet seems to have sparked a tirade of criticism from the panelists. Former champion Chris Algieri said, “Paul didn’t use his skills, he used his size, gorilla slaps to knock Perry down.” Even former world champion Tim Bradley chimed in, stating, “This isn’t boxing, this is ‘Celebrity Death Match’”.

Bradley went as far as to suggest that Paul needs to start fighting real boxers to impress him because the last time he fought a real boxer, Tommy Fury, he lost the fight. According to Bradley, Fury “is not that good.” However, his furious rant didn’t end there! Bradley suggested Paul was planted in boxing and has been “milking and scamming people.”

As for his thoughts on Mendoza, Bradley said, “When I hear the WBA is thinking of sanctioning him and Chavez Jr. for a title fight, I have a problem with that, man.”

Having said that, Tony Bellew and Tim Bradley don’t exactly seem on board with the idea of organizing a fight between Paul and Chavez Jr. for a title. Only time will tell whether the WBA respects their opinions on the matter.