Jake Paul, the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer, is set to face another significant challenge in his quest for boxing glory. He’ll be stepping into the ring against former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This 10-round bout, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions, will be a DAZN pay-per-view event, with a 200-pound weight limit.
Paul, boasting an 11-1 record with 7 knockouts, sees this fight as another crucial step toward his world championship ambitions. He’s coming off a high-profile victory against Mike Tyson, a win that catapulted him further into the spotlight. In a statement to ESPN, Paul expressed his determination, referencing his previous win and highlighting Chavez Jr. as a formidable opponent even Canelo Alvarez couldn’t decisively defeat.
This fight represents a significant shift in Paul’s trajectory after a proposed match with Canelo Alvarez fell through and subsequent plans to fight Gervonta Davis were derailed by Davis’ controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. The Chavez Jr. fight offers Paul a chance to regain momentum and solidify his position in the boxing world.
Chavez Jr., at 39 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the ring, with a record of 54-6-1 and 34 knockouts. While his recent performances haven’t matched the heights of his earlier career – notably a one-sided loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and a surprising defeat to Anderson Silva in 2021 – he remains a respected name in the sport and the son of a boxing legend. Chavez Jr. himself expressed confidence, stating that he’s in the best shape of his life, both mentally and physically, and is ready to deliver a shocking upset.
The undercard will also feature a highly anticipated fight: unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez defending his titles against former unified champion Yuniel Dorticos. This adds another layer of excitement to what promises to be a memorable night of boxing. The event will see a unique collaboration between MVP and Golden Boy Promotions, two promotional powerhouses known for their high-profile events and outspoken figures. This partnership underscores the magnitude of the Paul-Chavez Jr. matchup.
The Paul-Chavez Jr. fight, scheduled opposite UFC 317 during International Fight Week, adds another layer of intrigue to the rivalry between Jake Paul and UFC CEO Dana White, setting the stage for a potentially explosive clash of personalities and promotional strategies.
