Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul outpointed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, who looked lost and refused to fight back for most of the cruiserweight contest in California, before calling out some of the sport’s biggest names.
Chavez barely threw a punch in the early rounds. His father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, looked deflated and irate at ringside.
Chavez Jr, the 39-year-old former middleweight world champion, became a sitting duck behind a high guard as Paul, 28, controlled the fight with jabs and hooks to the head and body.
American Paul, who outpointed a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November, was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 99-91, 97-93, and 98-92.
He cupped his ears as jeers rained down from the sold-out Honda Center in Anaheim.
“All the boos are words, but actions speak louder than words,” Paul said, telling the crowd to “shut up”, with some expletives.
“It was flawless. I think I only got hit 10 times,” he added. “He’s been in with [Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez] and all those guys, and I embarrassed him like that. Easy work.”
The victory raises familiar questions about the level of Paul’s opponents and his place in professional boxing. The Chavez who stepped into the ring was a far cry from the Mexican who won a world title over a decade ago.
It was the same Chavez who lost in 2021 to 46-year-old former UFC star Anderson Silva, whom Paul defeated a year later. It was a Chavez who has struggled with discipline and motivation for large parts of his career.
Paul, who rose to fame on social media, has now won 12 pro fights, with his sole loss coming to Tommy Fury in 2023. Paul said he is ready to challenge WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez or WBC belt-holder Badou Jack.
While boxing purists view a title shot as the culmination of years of relentless hard work, dedication and climbing the ranks, it is not entirely far-fetched to imagine Paul landing one.
Both the WBA and WBC have hinted they could soon include him in their rankings, opening the door to a possible shot at a world title.
