Timothy Bradley, the former world champion best known for his controversial victory over Manny Pacquiao, has stunned the boxing community by publicly challenging Jake Paul to a fight this December.
The unexpected callout comes nearly a decade after Bradley hung up his gloves and marks a surprising twist in Paul’s search for a new opponent following the collapse of his planned bout with Gervonta Davis.
Bradley, 40, retired from professional boxing in 2017 with an impressive record of 33 wins, two losses, and one draw.
Yet despite his long absence from the sport, the former WBO welterweight champion insists he still has the speed, power, and grit to return and claims he can handle not only Paul, but also Paul’s close friend and training partner, J’Leon Love, all in the same night.
Speaking to Fight Hype, Bradley didn’t mince words. “Yeah, I’m getting in shape,” he said. “Two-for-one, it’s still going on. In the same night, in the same damn night, try me. Call my bluff, bro, for real.”
Bradley, who famously defeated Pacquiao in 2012 before losing two rematches, also made it clear that his decision to retire was one of choice, not necessity.
“I still got it,” he continued. “I retired early, I still had a lot left in my tank. I can come back and wax both [Jake Paul and J’Leon Love] in the same night. Five rounds apiece.”
Bradley’s bold comeback plan raises eyebrows
While Bradley‘s declaration initially sounded like banter, insiders close to the former champion say he has been training again and could be serious about a short-term return.
Known throughout his career for his endurance and defensive mastery, Bradley was one of boxing’s toughest competitors during the 2010s, fighting in grueling wars against elite names like Juan Manuel Márquez, Ruslan Provodnikov, and Pacquiao.
His willingness to step back into the spotlight has captivated fans and critics alike, with many questioning whether a 40-year-old who hasn’t fought in nearly eight years could handle the physical challenge of a fight against a much younger and more active opponent.
Jake Paul, meanwhile, remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern boxing. The 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-fighter has defied expectations, amassing an 8-1 professional record and drawing global audiences with his blend of marketing savvy and raw knockout power.
His December return was expected to feature an exhibition against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, but the fight was canceled after Davis was hit with multiple legal charges, including battery and kidnapping.
Since then, Paul has teased a long list of possible replacements, from elite boxers like Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez to crossover stars such as Nate Diaz and KSI. Bradley’s unexpected challenge, however, has added a layer of nostalgia and intrigue that few others could match.
Jake Paul’s growing influence and Bradley’s motivation
What makes Bradley‘s callout so compelling isn’t just his name, it’s what it represents. Bradley was part of boxing’s last golden generation of traditional champions, while Paul symbolizes the sport’s new, entertainment-driven era.
A potential fight between them would bridge two very different worlds: one rooted in legacy and discipline, and another built on showmanship and spectacle.
Whether Paul would accept such a matchup is another story. His current path suggests he’s seeking opponents who can elevate his credibility without derailing his brand, and a bout with a retired but respected fighter like Bradley could check both boxes.
Meanwhile, Bradley seems motivated by more than just nostalgia. Since retiring, he’s worked as a commentator for ESPN, often critiquing fighters for what he views as a lack of discipline or heart, traits he prided himself on throughout his career.
Facing Paul could be his way of proving that the old-school mentality still has a place in a sport increasingly dominated by influencers and spectacle.
“I love this sport too much to see it turned into a circus,” Bradley said in a follow-up interview. “If I have to step back in there to remind people what real boxing looks like, so be it.”
For now, Jake Paul has yet to respond to Bradley‘s challenge. But as the social media star weighs his options for a December fight, one thing is certain: the idea of a former Pacquiao rival coming out of retirement to test him has already reignited debate across the boxing world.
If Paul accepts, it would mark one of the most unexpected – and potentially entertaining – matchups of the year. If he declines, fans may still get their wish: Timothy Bradley, one of boxing’s most tenacious warriors, lacing up the gloves once again for one last fight under the lights.
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