Controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has announced his return to the ring this spring, confirming a matchup against former world champion and son of a Mexican boxing icon: Julio César Chávez Jr.
Chávez Jr., 39, a former WBC middleweight titleholder, is the son of legendary Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez. With six losses in his professional career, Chávez Jr. last fought in July 2024, defeating former UFC fighter Uriah Hall by decision. He previously lost by decision to MMA legend Anderson Silva in 2021—a bout widely criticized by boxing fans and seen as a low point for the sport.
Paul, whose fame in boxing has grown steadily over recent years, last stepped into the ring in November when he controversially outpointed 58-year-old heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.
That bout, streamed to over 65 million accounts, drew massive attention but also significant criticism due to the significant age gap and the level of boxing exhibited. After failing to secure a much-hyped bout against undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Paul now returns to face another former world champion.
Announcement of Jake Paul’s next opponent
The announcement came via Oscar De La Hoya on his X account (formerly Twitter), revealing a collaboration between Golden Boy Promotions and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)—Paul’s promotional company—for a marquee event on June 28.
Paul’s direct shot at Canelo
“Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after a single amateur fight,” Paul said on Friday, April 18. “And every fight since has been a step toward becoming world champion. I just defeated the baddest man on the planet, and now I’m going against a former champion—one that conman Canelo couldn’t finish.” With that statement, Paul took a direct jab at Canelo, referencing the failed negotiations for a potential fight between them.
Chávez Jr.’s mindset ahead of the fight
Chávez Jr., confident and reinvigorated, shared his thoughts about the upcoming bout: “First of all, I will show what I can do now that everything is in the right place in my life—mentally and physically. I feel rejuvenated and 10 years younger,” Chávez Jr. stated. “Second, I want to thank MVP for taking the risk of fighting me. Unfortunately for their ‘Problem Child,’ they’re going to have a big problem this June—one they won’t know how to solve. Hopefully, when I beat him, people won’t underestimate this win.”
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Paul vs. Chávez Jr.: Who will prevail?
Chávez Jr. will aim to become the second boxer to defeat Jake Paul, whose only loss came in 2023 to Tommy Fury, the half-brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Paul, for his part, insists he’ll succeed where Canelo didn’t—and deliver a decisive result against the Mexican veteran. The stakes are high, the personalities are larger than life, and the stage is set. Who will come out on top in this highly anticipated and controversial matchup?