Jake Paul announces next fight against ex-world champion and vows to knock out man ‘Canelo Alvarez could barely beat’
JAKE PAUL has announced he will fight former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr next.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer will return for the first time since his controversial bout against Mike Tyson.
And he will face former WBC middleweight world champion Chavez Jr – son of one of Mexico’s most celebrated fighters – on June 28 in California.
Paul, 28, posted: “Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after 1 amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion.
“I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat.
“Chávez Jr. is Mexican, but I, El Gallo De Dorado, mexi-CAN knock him tf out.
“On Saturday, June 28, live on DAZN pay-per-view, I will defeat Julio and make Chávez Sr. proud in ways Jr. never has. Viva La Puerto Rico.”
The bout will be contested at the 200lb cruiserweight limit, over ten rounds, on DAZN PPV at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Paul’s only defeat in the ring came via split-decision against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
But he has won five since, most recently up at heavyweight against Tyson – who came out of retirement aged 58 for his first pro fight in 20 YEARS.
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Paul won on points with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix – in what was the streaming service’s first live boxing event.
But now the American will drop back down to the 200lb cruiserweight limit to face Chavez.
The Mexican – son of the legendary Chavez Sr – held the middleweight title for three defences from 2011-2012 including a win over Andy Lee.
He also went the distance in a pay-per-view points loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and has suffered inconsistent for since.
Chavez lost an embarrassing decision to UFC great Anderson Silva, 50, in 2021, a year after Paul beat the Brazilian himself.
But Chavez has bounced back with two victories since – most recently on Paul’s undercard against ex-UFC star Uriah Hall last July.
He has been linked with fighting Paul for three years now – with talks dating back to 2021.
I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat.
Jake Paul
Chavez – who claimed he turned down around $3million (£2.3m) – said he would RETIRE from boxing if he lost to Paul.
He again called out the social media sensation last summer – with WBA president Gilberto Mendoza stating he would sanction the fight for a belt.
But Paul talked down the bout with Chavez and any token title – stating he wanted a “tougher fight”.
He was in talks to face Canelo, 34, in May in Las Vegas with the two close to announcing a shock bout.
But Canelo walked away at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.
Paul’s camp then began negotiating for an exhibition against WBA lightweight champ Gervonta Davis – despite the SIX STONE weight difference.
But Davis, 30, is set to rematch Lamont Roach, 29, in the summer following their controversial March draw.
So Paul went back to the well to fight 54–6–1-1 veteran Chavez.