Jake Paul is set to take on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a highly anticipated boxing match on June 28, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This bout marks Paul’s return to the ring following his unanimous decision victory over boxing icon Mike Tyson in November 2024.
Paul, who boasts a professional record of 11 wins and 1 loss, will face Chavez Jr., the 39-year-old son of legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Chavez Jr. holds an impressive record of 54 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with 34 of those victories coming by knockout. The fight will be contested over 10 rounds at a weight limit of 200 pounds and will be available for viewing on DAZN pay-per-view.
In a statement, Paul expressed his excitement about the upcoming fight, saying, "Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after a single amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion. I just defeated the baddest man on the planet, and now I'm going against a former champion who Canelo couldn't finish." Paul has made a name for himself in boxing, transitioning from a YouTube star to a serious competitor in the ring.
Chavez Jr. has not fought consistently in recent years, competing only once since 2021. He returned to the ring in July 2024, winning a unanimous decision against former MMA fighter Uriah Hall after a nearly three-year hiatus. Chavez Jr. stated, "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." This fight represents a significant opportunity for Chavez Jr. to reclaim some of his former glory.
Paul's last fight against Tyson was a record-breaking event that showcased his growing popularity in boxing. Despite some controversies surrounding his previous bouts, including a split decision loss to Tommy Fury in 2023, Paul has rebounded strongly, winning five consecutive fights since then. His victories include knockouts against notable opponents like Mike Perry and Ryan Bourland.
The co-main event of the evening will feature unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez defending his titles against former champion Yuniel Dorticos. Ramirez, who holds a record of 47 wins and 1 loss, is coming off a successful title reign in the cruiserweight division, while Dorticos, with a record of 27 wins and 2 losses, is on a three-fight winning streak.
Oscar De La Hoya, co-promoter of the event and chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, expressed his enthusiasm for the matchup, stating, "Once again, Golden Boy is proving that we're willing to work with anyone to deliver the biggest and most exciting events in boxing. We're thrilled to partner with Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, Most Valuable Promotions, and DAZN to bring this blockbuster night to fans around the world."
Paul's journey in boxing has been anything but conventional, having originally sought to fight Canelo Alvarez after his victory over Tyson. However, negotiations with Alvarez fell through, prompting Paul to pivot to Chavez Jr. as a formidable opponent. "Chavez Jr. has always been on the short list of fighters that Jake Paul has targeted," said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. "After the Tyson fight, the original plan was to fight Chavez Jr. next. However, the Canelo opportunity presented itself and we paused discussions with Chavez."
As the fight date approaches, both fighters are preparing for a clash that promises to be filled with excitement and drama. With Paul looking to solidify his status as a serious contender in the boxing world and Chavez Jr. aiming to prove he still has what it takes to compete at a high level, fans can expect a thrilling night of boxing.
In the lead-up to the fight, Paul has been vocal about his training and preparation, emphasizing his commitment to improving his skills and performance in the ring. He stated, "I will knock out Julio and make Chávez Sr. proud in ways Jr. never has. Another massive event from Most Valuable Promotions, with some Oscar De La Hoya seasoning added to the show. Viva La Puerto Rico."
As anticipation builds for this matchup, boxing enthusiasts are eager to see how this fight unfolds and whether Jake Paul can continue his rise in the sport or if Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. can reclaim his legacy in the ring.
