The upcoming showdown between Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is stirring conversation across the boxing world, and one legendary figure has weighed in with a pointed verdict. Oscar De La Hoya, a former six-division world champion and one of the sport’s most influential voices, recently observed Chavez Jr. in training—and what he saw has shaped his view on the looming clash.
Set for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the bout marks Paul’s return to the ring since his controversial victory over Mike Tyson last November. That fight, which ended in a unanimous decision for the YouTuber-turned-boxer, signaled the final curtain for the 58-year-old Tyson and added another layer of spectacle to Paul’s unconventional boxing rise.
For Chavez Jr., the fight is more than just another headline event—it represents a shot at redemption. A former WBC middleweight titleholder and the son of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., the 39-year-old has battled demons outside the ring but now appears reinvigorated. And if De La Hoya’s words are any indication, he may be entering this bout with something to prove.
De La Hoya believes in Chavez’s comeback path
While speaking to Power 106 Los Angeles, Oscar De La Hoya was candid about his impressions of Chavez Jr.’s recent form. The Golden Boy promoter acknowledged the hardships that have long followed the Mexican fighter but pointed to a noticeable shift in his discipline and drive.
Jake Paul already has a new opponent for 2025. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
“I can see redemption, you know, because he’s had a tough life,” De La Hoya said. “Being the son of the father and then the expectations, the pressure, he got involved with drugs and this and that… he seems like he’s doing better and he’s doing good, and I’ve seen him train lately.”
The sentiment reflects a deeper appreciation for the complexity of Chavez Jr.’s journey. After years of turmoil, there’s a belief that he may have turned a corner just in time for what could be one of the most pivotal nights of his career.
A bold prediction from a legendary father
Perhaps even more compelling is the assessment from Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who appears to have regained faith in his son’s preparation. De La Hoya recalled his conversation with the elder Chavez, revealing a statement that may resonate with both confidence and pressure.
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“I’ve talked to the father and he says ‘Look, if my son shows up to the ring the way I’ve seen him in the last few months,’ I think he said last six, seven months, he goes ‘Yeah he’s gonna knock out Jake Paul.’”
Such a declaration could raise eyebrows, but it also hints at how seriously Team Chavez is taking this bout. With rumors swirling that Paul could be eyeing a future fight with Gervonta Davis, the stakes for this June event have grown exponentially.
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Whether redemption or disruption lies ahead, one thing is certain: boxing purists and casual fans alike will be tuning in to see if Chavez Jr. can shake the past and stop the meteoric—and polarizing—rise of Jake Paul.
