Jake Paul is addressing the backlash he`s received regarding his upcoming boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Earlier this week, the social media personality turned boxer took to his platforms to counter the negative reactions concerning his June fight. He is scheduled to face the 39-year-old veteran, Chavez Jr., whose recent record since 2019 stands at 3 wins and 3 losses, including a defeat delivered by former UFC champion Anderson Silva.
While Chavez Jr. held championship belts earlier in his career, many believe he is far removed from the fighter who was decisively beaten by Canelo Alvarez in 2017. However, Paul is dismissing these concerns. He argues that his fight against Chavez Jr. is no different from a recent, highly discussed UFC bout.
Paul defended the choice, stating, “Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a former world champion, a cruiserweight world champion.” He emphasized the similarities, adding, “The same weight as me, the same size as me, and 20 years more pro boxing experience than me. For you inbreds, let’s get the excuses out of the way.”
To further his point, Paul drew a parallel to the recent UFC clash between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler. “Last week, Paddy Pimblett beat Michael Chandler, and the whole world lost their mind,” Paul noted. “But not a single person mentioned Michael Chandler’s age. That’s because he’s still within his prime ages, the same age as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.” He then directly challenged critics: “If people didn’t have a problem with Paddy [beating Chandler], then why do they have a problem with me [fighting Chavez Jr.]? When I beat him, don’t even try to cry about his age.”
Although Michael Chandler did turn 39 just days after his fight with Pimblett at UFC 314, comparing his recent career trajectory to Chavez Jr.`s is challenging.
Before his loss to Pimblett, Chandler was still ranked among the top 15 lightweights in the UFC. His previous losses were exclusively against elite former champions, including Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira.
Chavez Jr.`s recent history presents a different picture. Most recently, he secured a narrow victory over former UFC fighter Uriah Hall in a six-round match that marked only Hall`s second professional boxing appearance.
Furthermore, contrary to Paul`s assertion, Chavez Jr. has never held a cruiserweight title. He did compete for a light heavyweight title in 2015 but was stopped in the ninth round.
It is also widely known that Chavez Jr. has faced personal issues outside the ring, notably a 2024 arrest for illegal possession of an assault rifle. Following the arrest, he entered a rehabilitation center for treatment, having previously acknowledged struggles with substance abuse.
Despite these factors, Chavez Jr. is set to attempt a career resurgence when he faces Paul in a boxing match scheduled for June 28th in Anaheim, California. The event will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.
Marcus Blakely