Jake Paul will face former WBC Middleweight World Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on June 28 in Anaheim, California.
After talks with both Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gervonta Davis fell through, Paul has opted to follow up his controversial win over Mike Tyson last year by bringing Chavez up to cruiserweight for a bout that the WBA President has previously said could be for some sort of title.
Chavez fought and beat Uriah Hall last year, but had not fought prior to that since 2021. His career has been marred with issues outside of the ropes, but he has been a champion at 160 pounds and had big nights against the likes of Canelo, which he lost by unanimous decision.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Oscar De La Hoya – who co-promotes the event and has Gilberto Ramirez defending his cruiserweight belt on the undercard – said he was thrilled to be involved.
“Jake Paul, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, it’s a real fight. People keep saying Jake Paul is not a real fighter, well he’s fighting a real fighter now. It’s going to be a good test for both guys. Obviously, Jake is a masterclass promoter in what he does. He’s been doing some great things, Mike Tyson, 60 million people.
“I just feel honoured and proud that we could team up with MVP Promotions and we can make Zurdo Ramirez with Dorticos, the mandatory. That’s gonna be a bloodbath in itself, so we’re excited.”
On the main event, De La Hoya said the Mexican, son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, can be dangerous and that Paul can make a big statement with a win.
“When he trains, when he gets in shape, when he’s focused he will be dangerous for anybody.
“Look, Canelo fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. We promoted that fight many years ago. Didn’t knock him out, couldn’t hurt him, so imagine if Jake can hurt or even wobble Chavez Jr. It’s something that Canelo didn’t do, or couldn’t do. There’s a lot of stories to come out from this. A lot of great stories for Jake Paul.”
