Jake Paul drags UFC into Chavez Jr. fight backlash

Jake Paul uses Pimblett vs. Chandler to justify boxing Chavez Jr.

Taking to his Most Valuable Promotions twitter account, Paul released a statement in an attempt to dispel criticism surrounding his fight. He used UFC's Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler as a case study to justify his matchmaking.

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a former world champion - a cruiserweight world champion,” Paul remarked. “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."

Chavez Jr. has won (non-world) titles as high as super middleweight, but not cruiserweight. He has only competed once at cruiserweight, which was a contentious decision victory over Uriah Hall in his return from retirement in 2024.

“Last week, Paddy Pimblett beat Michael Chandler, and the whole world lost their mind, but not a single person mentioned Michael Chandler’s age," Paul continued.

"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.”

The MMA community was aware of the age disparity between Pimblett and Chandler . What played into the matchmaking was Chandler maintaining a lightweight ranking despite being 2-4 in the promotion, possibly receiving favorable treatment after sitting out for years waiting for Conor McGregor.

With any hope, Paul's next opponent won't draw so much skepticism.

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