Like it or not, YouTube boxing sensation Jake Paul is one of the biggest names in the sport right now! Even though his credibility as a boxer is up for debate, the renewed attention ‘The Problem Child’ brought to the sport is undeniable. However, the question is—what does his upcoming opponent, former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., think about him?
The pair is slated to lock horns on June 28, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The fight will see Chavez Jr. return to the ring nearly a year after a lackluster unanimous decision win over former mixed martial artist Uriah Hall. With a mere month’s time left, Chavez Jr. appeared in the MVP Uncut series, where he shared his view of ‘El Gallo.’
When asked if Jake Paul deserves more credit as a boxer, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. responded with a single word: “No.” It’s a sharp dismissal, especially considering Paul, with just 12 professional bouts to his name, consistently headlines major fight cards. His most recent bout, a highly publicized matchup against heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, shattered viewership and gate revenue records in Texas.
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Paul has undeniably brought a fresh audience to boxing—a sport that has struggled for mainstream relevance since the exits of major broadcasters like HBO and Showtime. While his choice of opponents has often drawn criticism, it’s worth noting that it was Chavez Jr. himself who pursued a fight with the YouTuber-turned-boxer. In fact, Chavez Jr.’s return to the ring last year after a three-year layoff came on the undercard of a Jake Paul event, where he faced Hall.
Adding to the intrigue, there are rumors of an exhibition bout between Paul and WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis once Davis concludes his rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. Still, Chavez Jr.’s skepticism isn’t without merit. Paul has yet to face elite competition in the traditional boxing sense. That, however, may be changing—reports suggest his next opponent could be WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack, a legitimate world titleholder.
In the meantime, Chavez Jr. also answered questions about himself.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. claims he could beat Jake Paul at his 70%
During the same MVP uncut episode, the son of the legendary boxer Julio Chavez Sr., tackled more questions, including whether he is still a world-class boxer despite his inconsistent activity. “Yes,” he confidently answered. It’s worth mentioning that back in 2021, Chavez Jr. lost to former UFC champion Anderson Silva in a boxing match.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 22: Julio César Chávez Jr. attends Logan Paul Workout Showcase at Wild Card Boxing Club on October 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Paul defeated Anderson Silva the very next year via unanimous decision after dropping the UFC legend in the eighth round. Regardless, the 39-year-old was pressed whether he could beat Paul at his 70%, which Chavez Jr. claimed he could, stating, “Yes.” Despite that, he gassed out pretty early last year during his bout against Hall.
Lastly, when pressed whether he is the most skilled boxer Jake Paul has ever faced, Chavez Jr. said, “Yes.”
That said, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will soon have the chance to back up his words when he faces Jake Paul in the ring next month. Whether he can deliver remains to be seen—but until then, what’s your take? Does Chavez Jr. have a point, or is he underestimating Paul’s impact on the sport?
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