New York: Former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson believes Jake Paul could defeat Deontay Wilder, arguing that the former heavyweight champion no longer looks capable of hurting opponents as he once did.
Johnny Nelson has made a bold prediction about Jake Paul’s potential return to boxing, backing the YouTuber-turned-fighter to overcome former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder if the pair eventually meet in the ring.
Paul has recently outlined an ambitious 14-fight wish list on social media, featuring prominent names from boxing and mixed martial arts, including Wilder and heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall.
While a potential showdown with Wilder would represent a significant challenge for Paul, Nelson believes the American has the tools to spring a surprise against the former heavyweight champion.
Speaking on the latest episode of talkSPORT Fight Night, Nelson questioned whether Wilder still possesses the devastating punching power that once made him one of the most feared heavyweights in boxing.
“I think he beats Deontay Wilder,” Nelson said.
“Yes, I do genuinely. He looks so fragile it’s ridiculous. That is why I like his fight with Jai Opetaia too, it seems to be a gimme.”
Assessing Wilder’s recent performances, Nelson added: “Wilder for me, he doesn’t look like he can hurt anybody anymore.”
Nelson’s prediction is likely to generate debate, given Wilder’s reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers of his generation. However, the former champion’s advancing age and recent career struggles have raised questions about his form and long-term prospects.
Jake Paul preparing for boxing comeback
Paul has been away from competition for almost 10 months after suffering a broken jaw in his heavyweight contest against former unified world champion Anthony Joshua in December 2025.
The injury required two surgical procedures to reconstruct his jaw, forcing the 29-year-old to put his boxing ambitions on hold while recovering.
Paul has since returned to training as he works towards a comeback. His manager and business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, previously told talkSPORT that the fighter was expected to return to the ring in December or January.
A potential fight with Wilder would offer Paul an opportunity to test himself against another established heavyweight, although no confirmed bout between the two has been announced.
Wilder still has something to offer
Despite Nelson’s assessment, Wilder remains a major name in heavyweight boxing.
Known throughout his career as the ‘Bronze Bomber’, the American built his reputation on explosive knockout power and held the WBC heavyweight title for several years.
Although he is past his peak years, Wilder has continued competing and remains a significant attraction in the heavyweight division. His recent victory over Derek Chisora, as cited in the supplied report, has kept him in the conversation surrounding high-profile boxing matchups.
For Paul, however, a fight against Wilder would be a substantial step up in danger compared with several of his previous opponents.
From YouTube star to professional boxer
Paul made his professional boxing debut in 2020 despite having no amateur boxing background. He won his first six professional contests, building his profile through victories over established MMA names, including Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
His first major test against a recognised professional boxer came against Tommy Fury in February 2023. Paul lost their eight-round contest by split decision but earned credit for making the fight competitive and scoring a knockdown.
He subsequently returned to winning ways with victories over opponents including Nate Diaz and Mike Perry, before attracting enormous attention for his bout against the nearly 60-year-old Mike Tyson.
Paul’s most demanding challenge came against Joshua on December 19, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami. He survived six rounds against the former two-time unified heavyweight champion before being knocked down for the final time and failing to beat the count.
The defeat exposed the physical and technical gap Paul still faces against elite heavyweight opposition and was followed by the jaw injury that interrupted his career.
Could Paul really beat Wilder?
Nelson’s backing places Paul in the spotlight once again, but a contest against Wilder would carry considerable risks for the returning fighter.
Paul has demonstrated an ability to attract major audiences and has developed his professional boxing skills over a relatively short period. Wilder, meanwhile, has years of experience at the highest level of heavyweight boxing and has competed against some of the division’s leading fighters.
Whether Paul could exploit Wilder’s perceived decline remains an open question. For now, the proposed matchup remains speculative, with Paul’s immediate priority being a successful return following his serious jaw injury.
If the fight eventually materialises, it would offer a compelling test of Nelson’s prediction — and a chance for Paul to prove that his ambitions extend beyond headline-grabbing challenges.
