ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jake Paul stepped into the ring Saturday night against Julio César Chávez Jr., taking on what appeared to be the most significant challenge of his unconventional boxing career. Yet, the anticipated risk quickly dissipated as Chávez, a former middleweight champion, failed to deliver a robust performance until the later rounds, leaving a restless crowd at the Honda Center yearning for more action.
Immediate Impact
Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, secured a decisive victory by unanimous decision, extending his winning streak to six. The bout saw Paul dominate the early rounds, effectively countering Chávez’s late attempts at resurgence. The judges scored the match 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93, all in favor of Paul.
“All the boos are awards,” Paul remarked post-fight. “It was flawless. I think I only got hit about 10 times.”
Key Details Emerge
Throughout the match, Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) maintained control against the 39-year-old Chávez (54-7-2), despite the fervent support for Chávez from the Southern California audience. Chávez’s initial reluctance to engage allowed Paul to set the pace, with Chávez only mounting a significant offense in the ninth round.
“I thought I lost the first five rounds, so I tried to win the last rounds,” Chávez admitted. “He’s strong, a good boxer (for) the first three, four rounds. After that, I felt he was tired.”
Background Context
Chávez, shadowed by the legacy of his father, Julio César Chávez Sr., has struggled to fully capitalize on his potential. His career has been marred by missed opportunities, failed drug tests, and weight issues. Despite these setbacks, Chávez once held the WBC middleweight title and faced boxing luminaries like Canelo Álvarez and Sergio Martinez.
Paul, on the other hand, has leveraged his online fame to carve out a niche in the boxing world, often facing mixed martial artists and fellow internet personalities. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury in February 2023.
Industry Response
Paul’s ability to draw large audiences and generate substantial revenue has made him a formidable figure in combat sports. His rise has prompted discussions about his potential to compete under a sanctioning body, which could lead to matches against elite boxers.
“We’ll see,” Paul said regarding his next opponent. “There’s a long line, so they’ve got to wait in line. Take a ticket.”
By the Numbers
- Paul’s record: 12-1, 7 KOs
- Chávez’s record: 54-7-2
- Judges’ scores: 99-91, 98-92, 97-93
What Comes Next
Paul’s next steps remain a topic of speculation. With his growing influence in the sport, he may soon face higher-caliber opponents. Meanwhile, Chávez’s future in boxing is uncertain, as he continues to grapple with the expectations set by his father’s storied career.
As the boxing world watches, Paul’s career trajectory could redefine the sport’s landscape, blending entertainment with athletic prowess.
