The bout marks Paul’s first fight since his high-profile exhibition win over Mike Tyson in November 2024, while Chavez Jr., 39, looks to defy critics and hand the 11–1 YouTuber-turned-boxer just his second professional loss. The matchup is set at the Honda Center in California and comes with high stakes for both men.

But perhaps no one has a more personal investment in the outcome than Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., the legendary Mexican fighter who once publicly urged his son to retire due to what he called a “lack of discipline” and “irresponsibility.”

A harsh past, a hopeful present

Back in 2016, Chavez Sr. didn’t mince words when expressing concern over his son’s career trajectory: “If this young man, who is my son, keeps with this lack of discipline… this irresponsibility that he has, I just recommend that he retire and doesn’t fight anymore.”

However, ahead of tonight’s clash, the Hall of Famer has changed his tone. In a recent interview with ESPN Knockout, Chavez Sr. offered a candid and encouraging take after watching his son train for the bout:

“Honestly, this fight is a blessing from God. Once you’re in the ring, everyone’s got a chance… Jake Paul is a young fighter, he’s very motivated, he trains well, and it’s clear he hits hard – but he doesn’t have the quality, you know, as a boxer to beat my son.”

A redemption story in the making?

According to Chavez Sr., his son’s preparation this time has been unlike anything he’s seen before: “I’ve gone to see Julio train twice, and I’ve been truly impressed. Never in his life have I seen him train as hard as he is for this fight. And if he keeps going like this, I told him there’s no doubt in my mind he’s going to beat Jake Paul.”

Tonight’s fight could be pivotal for both men. For Jake Paul, it’s a chance to solidify his place as a legitimate contender with eyes on a future world title shot. For Chavez Jr., it’s a rare opportunity to reclaim credibility and honor—especially with his father’s belief in him finally restored.

On a recent episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight king made an unexpected selection that’s reigniting old conversations and introducing younger fans to a name they may not know well. Without hesitation, Tyson named Salvador Sanchez as the finest boxer Mexico has ever produced—citing not titles or fame, but something more profound: a mastery that scaled with the challenge.

“Salvador Sanchez. I just think Sanchez was hard to beat, this is what made him really special to me and everybody else that knows his style,” Tyson said. “If you’re a halfway fighter, decent fighter, you might last the distance, the greater you are the more he kicks your a–, but he fights right above the level of the game.”

A star who shined fast—and burned out too soon

Sanchez’s career was a case of brilliance in fast forward. Before turning 24, he had already conquered the featherweight division, holding the WBC title and defending it nine times. His performances weren’t defined by sheer force, but by rhythm, ring IQ, and uncanny adaptability—traits that drew Tyson’s praise decades later.

One of his last fights, a win over future Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson, showcased everything that made him elite: control, patience, and late-round explosiveness. Tragically, just weeks later in 1982, Sanchez died in a car accident. His record at the time stood at 44-1-1, and his legacy—though frozen in youth—would later earn a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.

Canelo’s moment comes in September

As Tyson’s remarks circulate among pundits and fans alike, Canelo Alvarez continues forging his own place in history. On September 13, he will face Terence Crawford in one of the most anticipated bouts of the year—a superfight that may reshape boxing’s current pound-for-pound landscape.

Regardless of the outcome, Tyson’s words offer a compelling frame for the moment: in a sport where greatness is constantly redefined, the shadow of Salvador Sanchez looms large—not because of what he accumulated, but because of what he represented. Technical brilliance, mental sharpness, and the ability to rise precisely to the level needed to win.

Mexico has a rich boxing history, producing some of the sport’s most iconic names. For many fans, Julio Cesar Chavez is still regarded as the best of all time, but Canelo Alvarez has built a strong case to challenge that status.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has had an outstanding career. He’s moved up and down in weight classes to collect championship belts in various divisions. Yet, despite his accomplishments, not everyone sees him as Mexico’s greatest boxer.

Juan Manuel Marquez leaves Canelo off his all-time Mexican boxing list

Over the course of his career, Canelo Alvarez has faced several elite opponents. However, critics argue that many of them were past their prime when they met him in the ring—claiming he capitalized on timing rather than taking on fighters at their peak.

While it’s true that Alvarez has avoided certain opponents at their best, his collection of titles across four weight classes still cements his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.

Still, not everyone agrees.

In a surprising move, Juan Manuel Marquez, an eight-time world champion, excluded Canelo Alvarez from his list of the best Mexican boxers of all time—a decision that has sparked widespread debate.

“Difficult,” Marquez said for ProBox in 2022 on who were the best Mexican boxers ever. “Mexico’s boxing history is very rich. It’s hard to name just five. Ruben Olivares, Carlos Zarate, Lupe Pintor, Salvador Sanchez, to name a few. (Marco Antonio) Barrera, (Erik) Morales, Chavez. I put myself at the end.

“Julio Cesar Chavez is number one. There’s also Ruben Olivares, Ricardo Lopez. It’s hard to name five, but number one is Julio Cesar Chavez. ‘La Chiquita’ Gonzalez as well.”

Marquez’s list is certainly respectable, but fans have begun to question whether his omission of Canelo is rooted in a personal rivalry or deeper differences. Whatever the reason, the snub has reignited the debate over who truly deserves to be called the greatest Mexican fighter of all time.

Jake Paul has been working to build a legitimate boxing career. He has faced several well-known personalities, but his most recent fight turned out to be a major misstep that severely impacted his path to credibility.

Last November, Jake Paul fought Mike Tyson — a boxer 31 years older than him. The YouTuber won with ease against a clearly exhausted ‘Iron Mike,’ who was unable to pose any real threat during the fight.

Julio Cesar Chavez defends his son and slams Jake Paul over Mike Tyson fight

In a surprising twist, Jake Paul announced that his first fight of 2025 would be against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the son of Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez.

It’s no secret that Chavez Jr. is no longer the fighter he once was. Although he is a former WBC middleweight world champion, those glory days now feel like a distant memory.

Still, Chavez Jr. is expected to be Jake Paul’s toughest challenge to date — especially compared to his last opponent. After Paul defeated Mike Tyson last November, he was widely criticized for fighting a man 31 years older who was clearly unfit to compete at a professional level.

Now, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. has publicly criticized Jake Paul for that decision. The boxing icon stated that he himself would have been a tougher opponent, pointing out that Tyson didn’t even throw hard punches during the fight.

“Jake Paul is young and strong, but he’s never faced a fighter like my son,” Chavez Sr. said at Wednesday’s press conference. “I would’ve given Mike Tyson a better fight. He didn’t throw one punch the whole fight. I haven’t seen him train at this level for many years. If he keeps this up until the fight, there is no way Jake Paul is going to beat my son.”

When will Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. take place?

At the start of the year, there were rumors that Jake Paul might fight Canelo Alvarez. However, that potential matchup fell through, leaving Paul without a fight scheduled for the first half of the year.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. eventually stepped in, and the two agreed to face off on June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds and will be fought at cruiserweight.

However, the “Cesar” of boxing seems to have some unfinished business in his career. At least, that’s what he hinted at when asked in a 2022 interview with ESPN about which opponent he would have liked to face at his peak. His answer was clear: Floyd Mayweather.

Without hesitation, the 62-year-old Chavez stated that he would have defeated the American, who retired undefeated with 50 wins, in the super lightweight category. “I would have beaten him at 140 pounds, I would have run over him. He fought someone similar to me, but with all due respect, he wasn’t Julio César Chávez,” he said.

Chavez discusses his potential victory

It’s worth noting that Chavez was referring to the 2002 bout between Floyd Mayweather and Jose Luis Castillo, which took place in Sonora, where the WBC and The Ring lightweight titles were on the line. The fight ended with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision.

“I think I would have beaten him, probably by unanimous decision,” concluded Julio Cesar Chavez, who retired from professional boxing in 2005 with a record of 107 wins (87 by knockout), six losses, and two draws.

As for Mayweather, he conquered world titles in five different weight classes: super featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and super welterweight. Additionally, he amassed a vast fortune, which, according to data from Sportico, reached an astounding $1.52 billion, making him the 10th highest-earning athlete in history.

Canelo Alvarez has had one of the most impressive careers for a Mexican boxer in history. For many fans, he may be the greatest of all time, although Julio Cesar Chavez also stands out as a national boxing legend.

As Canelo continues to collect wins and titles in his pursuit of being recognized as the greatest Mexican boxer ever, Julio Cesar Chavez has now weighed in on the upcoming challenge Alvarez will face against an elite opponent like Terence Crawford.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Julio Cesar Chavez gives bold prediction

At the beginning of the year, Canelo Alvarez did not have any confirmed fights for 2025. The Mexican star was actively searching for worthy opponents for bouts in May and September but struggled to lock down two solid contenders.

Fortunately, two challengers emerged: William Scull in May and Terence Crawford in September. While Scull is expected to be the easier of the two, Crawford presents a major threat to Canelo’s record.

Terence Crawford is currently ranked the No. 1 super welterweight boxer in the world. However, he will need to move up in weight to fight Canelo, which has led many to believe the Mexican may have the upper hand.

Julio Cesar Chavez is one of those backing Alvarez. The Mexican icon has shared his prediction for the fight and offered a bold outcome that not many fans might expect.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Julio Cesar Chavez said Canelo Alvarez will not only win the fight but knock Crawford out. “It’s really an uneven fight,” Chavez said. “Crawford is a great fighter, but Canelo is out of his league. Crawford is going for the money, and Canelo is going to knock him out.“

When will Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford take place?

Canelo Alvarez is set to fight William Scull on May 3 in his first bout of the year. It will be a warm-up before the more challenging fight against Terence Crawford.

The exact date for the Alvarez vs. Crawford fight has not been confirmed, but it is expected to take place in September. Canelo traditionally fights during Mexico’s Independence Day weekend, so the most likely date is September 13, 2025.

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.”

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?

Canelo, who has matched many of Chavez’s achievements, is looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. The fight against Crawford, a former undisputed champion in two divisions and the current super welterweight world champion, promises to be a clash of titans. Although Crawford is naturally smaller, his technical ability, athleticism, and ability to switch stances pose a unique challenge for Canelo. Chavez’s prediction adds an extra layer of intrigue to this long-awaited fight.

Julio Cesar Chavez, speaking to ES News, did not hesitate to express his confidence in Canelo, predicting a knockout victory within the first few rounds. “Canelo will knock him out in six or seven rounds. Crawford is a good fighter, but there’s weight classes [for a reason],” Chávez said.

This statement reflects the belief of many in the boxing world that the difference in size and power will be a determining factor in the fight. Canelo, known for his punching power and stamina, has demonstrated his ability to dominate opponents of various styles and sizes. However, Crawford, a highly skilled and respected boxer, will not be an easy opponent.

The weight difference and its impact on the fight

Julio Cesar Chavez’s prediction is based on the weight difference between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford. The key question is how this weight difference will affect Crawford’s performance and whether he will be able to overcome the size and power disadvantage. Canelo’s ability to use his size and power to dominate Crawford will be a determining factor in the outcome of the fight.

Crawford’s skills and the challenge for Canelo

Despite the weight difference, Terence Crawford represents a significant challenge for Canelo Alvarez. His technical ability, athleticism, and ability to switch stances make him a dangerous opponent. The question, however, is whether Crawford will be able to use his skills to overcome Canelo’s power and whether he will be able to bring enough power to the higher weight divisions to challenge the Mexican. Crawford’s ability to adapt and find opportunities will be crucial to his success.

Mexico has produced some of the greatest boxers in history, and for many fans, Julio Cesar Chavez stands as the greatest of all time, followed closely by Canelo Alvarez.

Chavez retired with an incredible professional record of 107-6-2, totaling 115 bouts. Early in his career, he fought up to seven times a year, showcasing his unparalleled work ethic and dominance in the ring.

Julio Cesar Chavez defends his son Omar by slamming rival at press conference

With 107 wins—85 of them by knockout—and only six losses, Julio Cesar Chavez built a legacy that many hoped his sons would continue. However, things didn’t turn out as expected.

His eldest son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., was once touted as a rival to Canelo Alvarez for the title of the best Mexican boxer of their era. Yet, Chavez Jr. failed to live up to those expectations, falling short in skill and focus compared to Canelo’s disciplined career.

Omar Chavez, now 35, continues to fight professionally but has similarly struggled to meet his father’s lofty expectations. Still, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. firmly believes in his son’s abilities, especially against Misael ‘Chino’ Rodriguez, Omar’s upcoming opponent. Chavez Sr. has made it clear he will defend his son at all costs.

This Saturday, Omar will face Rodriguez in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The fight was initially scheduled for October last year, but Rodriguez withdrew, claiming the bout was rigged. Chavez Sr. has since labeled him a “coward.”

At the pre-fight press conference, Chavez Sr. lashed out at Rodriguez, responding to the opponent’s controversial remarks about Omar. In a rare display of anger, the legendary boxer fiercely defended his son, showing a side of him that fans rarely see.

“I do not agree, as if he were the important one, as if to say ‘I am in charge here’ and leave the fight lying,” Chavez Sr. said on Rodriguez not fighting last year with Omar. “That is not professionalism, that is not being a fighter, why do you get into the ring if you are going to have issues with the weight? I hope that just as the two of them are talking it will be a great fight, I am confident, it will be hard for both of them. But with all due respect Misael, with all due respect Chino, I think we’re going to f*** you.”

Why did Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fail to carry on the legacy?

After Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.’s retirement, fans wondered if any of his sons could uphold his storied legacy. The responsibility initially fell on his eldest son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but he failed to live up to the high expectations.

Despite his talent, Chavez Jr. struggled with numerous issues outside the ring, including discipline and focus, which derailed his career. While he had the chance to compete with Canelo Alvarez for the spotlight, his off-the-ring troubles ultimately crushed his chances of becoming a great pugilist.

For much of the Mexican and international boxing community, Julio Cesar is the greatest Aztec fighter of all time. He was undefeated in 90 fights, fought 37 world championship fights and won titles in 3 different divisions: Super featherweight, Lightweight and Super lightweight.

For his part, Canelo Alvarez lost his undefeated record long before Chavez, but in 17 years of career he has won world titles in 4 different divisions, all unusual for a Mexican fighter (usually fierce but in lower weight divisions), and in 2021 he became the first fighter in history to unify the 168-pound titles.

Canelo will never be like Julio Cesar Chavez, according to Benavidez Sr.

The story of Saul Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez is not exactly one of the utmost respect. The two-time World Super middleweight champion has sought to face the Mexican on many occasions to challenge him for his WBC 168-pound belt, which he lost a couple of times, both times outside the ring.

Given Canelo Alvarez’s refusal, the trash talk from Benavidez and his team, headed by his father, has not been long in coming. And in another episode of this story, Benavidez Sr. threw a dart at Canelo in which he points out that his “rule” of not fighting Mexicans makes it impossible for him to be like his legendary compatriot Julio Cesar Chavez.

“I’ve never in my life heard a champion (say that he would not face countrymen)… He’ll never be like Julio Cesar Chavez ‘cause Julio Cesar Chavez fought black, Mexican, Puerto Ricans, anybody. And this guy is saying that he would not fight any Mexicans. And now he’s saying that if ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beats Bivol he’s not going to fight him, he’s not going to fight Mexicans. To me I don’t have any respect for this guy.Champions fight anybody. That (nationality) doesn’t matter.”, stated Benavidez Sr.to Fight Hub TV.

Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez does not seem to have David Benavidez on his radar, because in case he beats Gennadiy Golovkin, his sights would be set on a rematch against Dmitry Bivol, if the Russian is able to defeat Mexican Gilberto ‘Zurdo‘ Ramirez next November.

After defeating the experienced Dominican Javier Abejon Fortuna by a sixth round knockout in his most recent fight, King Ry‘s record improved to 23 fights, all of them wins, 19 by knockout. Undoubtedly, his next step must be fighters who hold a world championship belt or are in line to fight for one.

And that’s where a collision with Gervonta Davis makes a lot of sense for Ryan Garcia, since the Tank, the pride of Baltimore, is one of the most renowned fighters in world boxing today, thanks to his perfect record in 27 fights, 25 of them won by knockout. Without a doubt, he would be an opponent to watch out for because of his skills and punching power, something Julio Cesar Chavez did not hesitate to point out when talking about Garcia.

JC Chavez’s stark warning to Ryan Garcia for seeking a fight with Gervonta Davis

What started out as an interview on the Fight Hub TV YouTube channel seeking an opinion from the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez about Ryan Garcia, ended up as carnage from the world boxing superstar towards the American prospect, who literally came out trashed by the Mexican because of his desire to face Gervonta Davis.

“I don’t watch bullshit,” Chavez said about whether he saw the Garcia vs Fortuna fight. “He’s a good friend, I like him a lot, he spoke to me (Ryan Garcia) the day of his fight but I didn’t see it, honestly…. (About his desire to face Tank) It’s going to end badfor him because Gervonta Davis is a great fighter and I think he’s going to knock him out,” said the former three-division World Champion.

So, like the punches he used to throw during his career, fast, hard and perfectly placed, Julio Cesar Chavez has delivered a hard knockout to a delusional Ryan Garcia who will be looking to prove him wrong if he makes his clash with Gervonta Davis by the end of 2022.