The Problem Child has done it again! Jake Paul, the polarizing YouTube star-turned-boxer, added another former world champion to his résumé by defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via unanimous decision in a 10-round cruiserweight clash at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. With judges’ scores of 99-91, 97-93, and 98-92, Paul outclassed his veteran opponent and sent a clear message to the boxing world: he’s here to stay and has his sights set on a world title.
How the Fight Unfolded
Jake Paul entered the ring as the underdog in the hearts of the Anaheim crowd, who roared for Chavez Jr., the son of a Mexican boxing legend. Despite the electric atmosphere, Chavez Jr. looked lethargic and disengaged for the majority of the fight. Paul, on the other hand, was sharp and aggressive from the opening bell, establishing his jab and working Chavez Jr.’s body with precision.
Key Moments and Fight Analysis
- Early Rounds: Chavez Jr. was shockingly inactive, landing zero punches in the first round. Paul capitalized, building a lead on the scorecards with consistent output and ring control.
- Mid-Fight: Paul continued to dominate, mixing in right hands and uppercuts as Chavez Jr. mostly followed him around the ring, offering little offense. Chavez Jr. occasionally complained to the referee about fouls, but Paul’s shots were legal and effective.
- Late Rounds: In the final two rounds, Chavez Jr. finally showed some urgency, pressing Paul and landing a few solid power shots. However, his late surge was too little, too late to change the outcome.
- Final Bell: Paul weathered the late storm and finished the fight strong, jumping on the ropes in celebration as the crowd—many of whom booed him—looked on.
By the Numbers: Paul vs. Chavez Jr.
| Statistic | Jake Paul | Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Punches Landed | 140 | 61 |
| Punches Thrown | 482 | 154 |
| Jabs Landed | 65 | 8 |
| Power Punches | 75 | 53 |
| Punching Accuracy | 29% | 39.6% |
Paul’s volume and activity were the story of the night. Notably, 40 of Chavez Jr.’s 61 landed punches came in the final two rounds, highlighting his late—but ultimately ineffective—rally.
What’s Next for Jake Paul?
After the fight, Paul mocked the booing crowd and issued a bold challenge:
“All the boos are words and actions speak louder than words. I’m him. I’m really him. I just beat your boy’s ass. Easy work. … I want tougher fighters. I want to be world champion. [WBO and WBA champ Gilberto Ramirez] looked slow as shit tonight. [WBC champion] Badou Jack. Tommy [Fury], you stop running.”
With this win, Paul improves his record to 12-1 (7 KOs) and is riding a six-fight win streak since his only loss to Tommy Fury in 2023. There are strong indications that the WBA and possibly the WBC will rank Paul at cruiserweight, bringing him a step closer to his dream of challenging for a world title.
The Bigger Picture
Jake Paul’s Unique Path in Boxing
- Unconventional Rise: Paul’s journey from social media stardom to professional boxing has been met with skepticism, but his willingness to face former champions—albeit past their primes—has kept him relevant and controversial.
- Public Perception: While some fans and analysts question the legitimacy of his opponents, Paul’s ability to generate attention and sell fights is undeniable. His latest win over Chavez Jr. only adds to his growing legacy as a crossover star.
- Future Challenges: Paul’s callouts of current and former champions signal his ambition. Whether the boxing establishment will grant him a title shot remains to be seen, but his popularity and marketability make him a compelling figure in the sport.