Social media sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul is reportedly set to face former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a summer cruiserweight bout. This unexpected pairing brings together the son of a boxing legend and one of the sport’s most controversial new stars.
Scheduled for summer 2025, the fight marks Paul’s first ring appearance since his contentious victory over Mike Tyson in November 2024. While the exact date remains unconfirmed, the matchup has already ignited debate within the boxing community about its significance and merits.
According to The Ring Magazine, Jake Paul will take on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a cruiserweight contest, with a weight limit of 200 pounds (90.7 kg). Unlike Paul’s previous high-profile fight against Mike Tyson, which was streamed globally on Netflix, this bout will not be featured on the streaming platform. Instead, it will utilize traditional boxing distribution channels, signaling a shift in Paul’s approach as he seeks legitimacy in the sport.
The location for the fight has yet to be announced, though speculation suggests Mexico could be a fitting venue given Chavez Jr.’s heritage and the country’s rich boxing culture. The matchup comes after Paul was reportedly close to securing a blockbuster fight against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. However, those negotiations fell apart when Canelo signed a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, prompting Paul to pivot to this bout with Chavez Jr.
Jake Paul enters this fight with a professional record of 11-1, with 7 knockouts. His most recent outing was a controversial eight-round decision victory over 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. That event, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, featured special rules—including two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves—and drew massive attention despite criticism from boxing purists. Paul’s only professional loss came via split decision against Tommy Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in 2023.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., now 39, last competed in July 2024, securing a unanimous decision victory over former UFC fighter Uriah Hall. Notably, that fight occurred on a card headlined by Jake Paul, marking Chavez Jr.’s return to the ring after a three-year hiatus.
Before that, he suffered a split decision loss to MMA legend Anderson Silva in 2021—a familiar opponent with Paul, who defeated Silva by unanimous decision in October 2022. Chavez Jr.’s most recent fight against a world-class boxer was in 2019, when former champion Daniel Jacobs stopped him in the fifth round.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. carries one of boxing’s most storied surnames. He is the son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, widely regarded as one of the greatest Mexican fighters ever. With a record of 54-6-1 and 34 knockouts, Chavez Jr. has been a fixture in the sport for over two decades. He turned professional at just 17, starting at super featherweight (130 pounds) before moving up through the divisions.
The pinnacle of Chavez Jr.’s career came in 2011 when he captured the WBC middleweight championship by defeating Sebastian Zbik at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He defended the title thrice, including a notable victory over Andy Lee in 2012. However, his reign ended with a loss to Sergio Martinez later that year, a defeat many view as the beginning of his career decline.
Since then, Chavez Jr. has faced high-profile opponents with mixed results, including a 2017 bout against Canelo Alvarez that generated over one million pay-per-view buys despite his loss. Off-ring issues, including a 2024 arrest on felony gun possession charges, have further complicated his journey.
At 28, Jake Paul has transformed himself from a social media personality into a legitimate boxing attraction. With a record of 11-1, with seven knockouts, Paul has strategically chosen opponents to elevate his profile, including victories over former MMA fighters like Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren, as well as his high-profile bout against Mike Tyson.
Despite criticism, Paul has shown dedication to the sport, improving his skills with each fight and leveraging his massive social media following to generate significant commercial interest.
This fight offers Jake Paul a chance to add a former world champion to his resume. Despite Chavez Jr.’s recent struggles and inactivity, his name still carries weight in boxing circles. A victory would allow Paul to claim he has defeated a fighter who has shared the ring with elite opponents like Canelo Alvarez. Paul has reportedly viewed Chavez Jr. as “easy work,” suggesting he sees this bout as a stepping stone to more significant challenges. A decisive win—perhaps even finishing Chavez Jr. more impressively than Canelo did—could bolster his case for bigger fights ahead.
The announcement has sparked divided opinions. Critics argue that this matchup is a step backward for Paul, who seemed poised for more challenging opponents after facing Tyson. Some believe this fight would have made more sense earlier in Paul’s career, when he primarily fought retired MMA stars. Boxing purists have also criticized Chavez Jr.’s selection, citing his diminished relevance since losing his title in 2012 and inconsistent performances. At 39 and naturally smaller than Paul, Chavez Jr. is seen by many as an opponent chosen more for name recognition than competitive merit.
Supporters, however, highlight Chavez Jr.’s extensive professional experience and former champion status as factors that make this a reasonable test for Paul. They argue that defeating a fighter with Chavez Jr.’s pedigree could further legitimize Paul’s boxing credentials.
A key factor in this matchup is the natural size difference between the fighters. Chavez Jr. began his career at 130 pounds and achieved his greatest success at middleweight (160 pounds). While he has competed at higher weights recently, moving up to cruiserweight (200 pounds) places him at a potential disadvantage against Paul, who is naturally larger.
Additionally, at 39, Chavez Jr. is 11 years older than Paul and has been less active, with a three-year absence before his 2024 return. These disparities in size, age, and recent activity could favor Paul, despite Chavez Jr.’s superior professional experience.
While this fight may not match the commercial hype of a Paul-Canelo or Paul-Tyson bout, it still promises significant attention. Paul’s massive social media following and Chavez Jr.’s famous surname create a compelling narrative transcending traditional boxing boundaries.
The decision to forgo Netflix and return to traditional distribution channels may impact the fight’s reach, though Paul’s ability to generate buzz through his platforms remains a powerful asset. A potential Mexican venue could further boost interest, tapping into the country’s passionate boxing fan base.