On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the boxing world’s spotlight will shine brightly on the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, as Jake Paul, famously dubbed "The Problem Child," steps back into the ring for the first time since his controversial victory over Mike Tyson last November. Paul is set to face off against former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. in a high-stakes cruiserweight bout that promises fireworks and could be a pivotal moment in Paul's boxing journey.
Jake Paul, with an 11-1 record and seven knockouts, is no stranger to the limelight. Having transitioned from a social media influencer to a boxing entertainer, Paul has steadily built his reputation by taking on notable opponents like Tyron Woodley, Tommy Fury, and most famously, Mike Tyson. His victory over Tyson, though contentious due to Tyson’s age of 58 and visible exhaustion during the fight, marked the biggest win of his career so far and propelled him closer to his dream of capturing a world title.
His opponent, Julio César Chávez Jr., is a seasoned veteran of the sport. At 39 years old, Chávez Jr. boasts an extensive professional record of 54 wins, six losses, and one draw, with 34 knockouts. Hailing from Culiacan, Mexico, Chávez Jr. carries the legacy of his legendary father and aims to silence critics by proving his mettle against the young upstart Paul. Despite the age difference, Chávez Jr. remains confident, stating bluntly, "No, I don’t think he’s good. I think he tries, he trains hard, but he’s not a good fighter. He’s definitely not a good boxer." Paul fired back with his trademark bravado, admitting, "...he’s right... I’m not a good boxer. I’m a great boxer." This verbal sparring adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds in the cruiserweight division, with both fighters weighing in at just under the 200-pound limit—Paul at 199.4 pounds and Chávez Jr. at 198.4 pounds. The fight is expected to begin with ring walks around 9 p.m. Pacific Time (12 a.m. Eastern Time), though the exact timing may vary depending on the duration of the undercard bouts.
The event will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN as a pay-per-view (PPV) offering, priced at $59.99. DAZN, the global sports streaming platform known for showcasing over 185 fights annually, will also offer bundled packages including this fight and other upcoming marquee events like Ring III: Berlanga vs. Sheeraz and Usyk vs. Dubois II for $94.99, providing fans a chance to catch multiple high-profile bouts at a discount. New DAZN users can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial, making it easier to access the event.
Fans tuning in can expect a stacked fight card beyond the main event. The co-main event features a thrilling cruiserweight title clash between Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez and Yuniel Dorticos, battling for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts. Other notable fights include Holly Holm vs. Yolanda Vega in a lightweight contest, Floyd Schofield facing Tevin Farmer, and a series of welterweight and light flyweight bouts featuring promising talents like Avious Griffin, Julian Rodriguez, Raul 'Cugar' Curiel, and Victor Ezequiel Rodriguez.
Betting odds heavily favor Jake Paul, reflecting his youth, power, and recent activity in the ring. DraftKings Sportsbook lists Paul at -575, while Chávez Jr. is the underdog at +400. The odds of a draw are considered highly unlikely at +1800. Predictions from various analysts echo this sentiment; USA Today’s Josh Peter foresees a Paul victory by TKO in the ninth round, citing Paul’s youth and power as decisive factors. Similarly, Sportsbook Review’s C. Jackson Cowart expects Paul to win by decision, highlighting Paul's physical advantages and consistent training. OddsShark also leans toward a Paul KO or TKO, emphasizing his superior conditioning and drive compared to Chávez Jr.’s age and recent inactivity.
Paul’s physical stats underscore his edge: standing 6’1” tall with a 76-inch reach, he fights out of Dorado, Puerto Rico, though he was raised in Westlake, Ohio. Chávez Jr., slightly shorter at 6’0” with a 73-inch reach, brings the experience of 62 professional fights to the ring. The age gap is notable—Paul is 28, approaching his prime, while Chávez Jr. is 39, arguably past his peak.
The atmosphere surrounding the fight has been charged off the ring as well. Paul recently appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored to promote the bout but walked off the set after a heated exchange. When pressed about his boxing credentials, Paul quipped, "Oh, I’m just taking your audience to sell pay per views. I don’t give a (expletive) about your show, (expletive). This is a (expletive) business enterprise. Buy the pay per view on Saturday, June 28, me versus Julio César Chávez Jr. Thank you, tune in everybody!” This incident only adds to the event’s buzz, showcasing Paul’s flair for blending entertainment with sport.
The Honda Center, capable of holding roughly 20,000 spectators, will provide an electric live atmosphere, but fans worldwide will tune in via DAZN’s streaming service, which covers over 200 countries. The fight will not be available on traditional local or cable TV in the United States, making DAZN the exclusive destination for viewers.
As the clock ticks down to fight night, anticipation builds around whether Jake Paul can continue his meteoric rise and edge closer to a world title shot or if Julio César Chávez Jr. can leverage his experience to halt the young American’s momentum. With both fighters known for their punching power and showmanship, the contest promises to be an unmissable spectacle.
Regardless of the outcome, June 28 will mark another significant chapter in the evolving story of Jake Paul’s boxing career, set against the backdrop of a dynamic fight card featuring some of boxing’s most compelling names. The action is set to unfold late into the night, with the main event’s conclusion expected in the early hours of June 29, leaving fans eager to see who will emerge victorious in this cruiserweight showdown.
