Jake Paul Slams Critics; Defends Chavez Jr. Fight

Jake Paul has hit back at critics over his upcoming fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Paul will box Chavez Jr. on June 28 in California. He is coming off a unanimous decision win over Mike Tyson, which reportedly earned him $40 million. Talks of a Canelo Alvarez fight stalled after Alvarez signed a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia. Paul also expressed interest in facing Anthony Joshua, but with Joshua currently injured and expected to return later this summer, that bout was not possible.

Chavez Jr., a former WBC middleweight champion, fought on the undercard of Paul’s bout against Mike Perry. He earned a unanimous decision win over former UFC fighter Uriah Hall, pushing his record to 54-6. However, boxing fans have been sceptical of the matchup, noting that Chavez Jr. is now 40. He has only fought twice since 2021 and has been largely inactive. Jake justified the fight by comparing it to Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler.

Jake Reacts

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a former world champion, a cruiserweight world champion. The same weight as me, the same size as me, and 20 years more pro boxing experience than me. For you inbreds, let’s get the excuses out of the way.

“Last week, Paddy Pimblett beat Michael Chandler, and the whole world lost their mind, but not a single person mentioned Michael Chandler’s age. That’s because he’s still within his prime ages, the same age as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. If people didn’t have a problem with Paddy, then why do they have a problem with me? When I beat him, don’t even try to cry about his age,” Paul said 

Artur Beterbiev also had a pop at Paul. The former Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion lost his last fight to Dmitry Bivol, losing his undisputed title. He is preparing for a likely Bivol trilogy as Beterbiev looks to avenge his first loss. Beterbiev is now 40, as he was asked about Paul. The Russian mocked Paul, saying he was too young to face Jake.