Jake Paul’s boxing journey appears to be far from over. Just weeks after stepping into the ring against 58-year-old Mike Tyson, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is reportedly in discussions for another high-profile bout. The Tyson fight, which drew over 60 million global viewers, sparked a whirlwind of criticism, with many calling the match lackluster and questioning its legitimacy.
In response, Paul’s team firmly denied allegations of foul play. “Rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime,” their statement read. They emphasized that the fight, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, was conducted with no restrictions, contractual or otherwise, and both fighters gave their best efforts. Despite the backlash, Paul seems undeterred, already planning his next move in the squared circle.
On Tuesday, 38-year-old former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. revealed he’s in talks to fight Paul. “It’s an option, we’re looking into it,” Chavez Jr. said. While he appeared hesitant, he acknowledged the potential media frenzy surrounding a bout with Paul. “Fighting Jake Paul, for the fame and the media, would put me in a position to fight against others,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing but far from finalized.
Chavez Jr. comes with a pedigree Paul has yet to face. The Mexican boxer, the son of legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., boasts a respectable professional career with a record of 53-6-1. Chavez Jr. last appeared on the undercard of the Paul vs. Mike Perry event, securing a unanimous decision victory over former UFC fighter Uriah Hall. His performance that night underscored his technical prowess and ability to dominate opponents with experience in combat sports.
Paul aims to prove himself against an active pro, while Chavez Jr. eyes the spotlight for future bouts
For Paul, a fight with Chavez Jr. represents an opportunity to silence critics who claim he avoids legitimate boxers in their prime. Unlike Paul’s previous opponents-including retired MMA fighters and a boxing icon well past his prime-Chavez Jr. is an active professional with a proven track record in the ring. However, at 38 years old, Chavez Jr. is also navigating the latter stages of his career, a factor some may see as Paul hedging his bets.
Chavez Jr., on the other hand, seems to view the potential fight as a strategic move to boost his profile and explore future opportunities. “I’d be interested in fighting a champion,” he said, hinting that a clash with Paul could act as a springboard for more significant matchups in the future. Whether his motivations are financial, competitive, or both, Chavez Jr. appears intrigued by the prospect.
As Paul continues to blur the lines between entertainment and professional boxing, the matchup would almost certainly generate buzz. With Paul’s social media following and Chavez Jr.’s boxing credentials, the fight could draw a diverse audience of casual fans and die-hard boxing enthusiasts alike.
For now, talks remain in the early stages, but one thing is clear: Jake Paul is determined to keep his name at the center of boxing’s most unconventional storylines. Whether a deal with Chavez Jr. materializes or not, Paul’s next move is certain to command attention, for better or worse.
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