The Jake Paul experiment continues, and he’ll be facing off with boxing royalty … sort of.
Per a report from Ring Magazine, the controversial YouTube pugilist is set to square off against former WBC middleweight champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a cruiserweight clash. The final details have yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to take place sometime in summer 2025.
Paul (11-1) is riding a five-fight win streak. Most recently, Paul boxed up retired Heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in a largely criticized contest. Also in the midst of that win streak is a unanimous decision over Nate Diaz and a knockout over Mike Perry. Clearly, “The Problem Child” is looking to take a step in the right direction and add a more legit name to his resume. Does Chavez Jr. quite fit the bill?
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The son of a legend, Chavez Jr. (54-6-1) has never quite lived up to his father’s accomplishments. Still, he did manage to capture a world title, and his crossover into the world of boxing MMA fighters (Anderson Silva and Uriah Hall, to be specific) makes him a great foe for Paul. They have shared opposition, and though Paul is younger and larger, Chavez Jr. is still a more accomplished boxer than any of Paul’s previous opponents.
Paul will always face criticism for his matchmaking process, but at least Chavez Jr. is still on the right side of 40 and has won his last two bouts. It’s not exactly the Canelo fight, but this might be the best Paul can do to legitimize himself in the boxing world while still managing his brand.
It’s certainly safer than taking on Anthony Joshua.
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