paper champ 

A champion who holds an official title but lacks the caliber of a real champion.

Those boxers are just paper champions. Why? True, they may have real world titles. But they don't fight outside their country and they don't take on fighters other than their own nationality much.

paper champ by Gerrycongo February 11, 2009

Paper Champ 

A person or team that wins the championship without beating the actual titleholder and it is known that they can't defend the title against the actual champ. This may happen due to any reason like the actual champ being out of competition with injury or travel issues or anything.

When Jon Jones got stripped of the title, DC was nothing but a paper champ.

Paper Champ by NoVax DjoCovid January 30, 2022

Paper Champ 

Aljamain Sterling

Aljo is a paper champ

Paper Champ by Dumitru_The_King_Of_Kings July 24, 2021

Paper Champ 

A player and/or team that is statistically superior to one's opponent and is viewed as the almost guaranteed victor in an upcoming match, yet is unable to achieve victory over said opponent.

The undefeated New England Patriots were beaten by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, proving the Patriots to be nothing but paper champs.

Paper Champ by sd561 January 20, 2009

Paper Champ 

Someone who only wrestles 11 times a year, and can only win matches with interference. Roman Reigns is a paper champion

Roman Reigns is a paper champion who barely wrestles 11 times a year, while he claims to be the head of the table and the tribal chief. He avoids facing the true contenders who work hard and deserve a shot at his title.

Paper Champ by Nexusfanboy January 24, 2024