Jake Paul returns to the ring against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr next month, and top trainer Robert Garcia has weighed in.
Coming off the back of a controversial eight-rounder against 58-year-old Mike Tyson late last year, Paul will face former middleweight world champion Chavez Jr, 39, in the cruiserweight division.
Chavez is years by his best, has been inactive at the top level in recent times and shares a common opponent with Paul in Anderson Silva – Chavez lost where Paul won.
However, speaking to ES News, Garcia – who coaches the likes of Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Vergil Ortiz Jr – is backing the more experienced man, albeit with a caveat or two.
“Be in good shape. He’s got to be in good shape and just be Chavez, man. He’s healthy now, right? It’s gonna be tough, though … Jake Paul’s a strong f***er and he’s got skills too, so it’s not gonna be an easy fight. But I’m going for Chavez. I like Chavez.
“Jake Paul’s big. Chavez, the fresh, healthy Chavez of ten years ago, would beat the s**t out of him. But now I don’t know, he’s just got out of rehab. I don’t know how good he’s doing … If he’s in good shape, Chavez should beat him … He’s gonna win.”
Chavez’s troubles outside of the ropes have been well-documented, however he has assured fans he is in a healthy space ahead of this contest. A win would likely lead to a rematch for him.
Should Paul add a twelfth victory to his ledger, he may move on to a legitimate run at a world title, with current WBC 200lbs champion, Badou Jack, announcing he is open to the fight.
