Jake Paul seems to have already lined up his next opponent, just weeks after facing off against boxing legend Mike Tyson. The 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer recently stepped into the ring with Tyson, who at 58 years old, brought plenty of intrigue to the matchup. The fight, which took place two weeks ago, was viewed by an estimated 60 million people globally.
Despite the massive audience, the event received a wave of criticism, with many fans and analysts questioning the quality of the fight and even suggesting that it may have been rigged.
In response to the backlash, Paul’s team issued a statement defending the integrity of the fight. “Rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime in the United States of America. Paul vs. Tyson was a professional match sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). Both fighters, in good faith, performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight. There were absolutely no restrictions—contractual or otherwise—around either fighter,” the statement read.
Paul’s matchup with Tyson was intended to be a spectacle, pitting a young, brash fighter against one of the sport’s most iconic figures. However, it left many viewers disappointed, with some feeling that the contest lacked authenticity.
Amid these discussions, it appears that Jake Paul is already setting his sights on another big-name opponent, and this time it could be 38-year-old former middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
On Tuesday, Chavez Jr. revealed that Paul’s team had reached out to him regarding a potential fight. In an interview, Chavez Jr. confirmed that discussions were underway, though nothing had been finalized. “It’s an option, we’re looking into it, let’s see,” Chavez Jr. said. “This week, I have a meeting. I’d be interested in fighting a champion, but fighting Jake Paul, for the fame and the media, would put me in a position to fight against others. I’m not looking for it, it’s been presented. It’s not concrete, but let’s see what happens.”
RELATED: Jake Paul and Mike Tyson Receive Boxing Suspensions Following Controversial Fight in Texas
Chavez Jr., the son of legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., is no stranger to the spotlight. The former WBC middleweight champion has experienced a career filled with ups and downs, but he remains a notable figure in the boxing world.
His potential matchup with Jake Paul could be another attempt to draw mainstream attention to the sport, given Paul’s ability to attract viewers with his controversial persona and online following.
Chavez Jr. most recently fought on the undercard of the Jake Paul-Mike Perry event, where he secured a unanimous decision victory against former UFC fighter Uriah Hall. The bout demonstrated that Chavez Jr. still possesses the skills necessary to compete, though his career has been marked by inconsistency.
A fight against Jake Paul would undoubtedly generate significant media buzz and could be a lucrative opportunity for both fighters.
For Paul, a matchup with Chavez Jr. presents a chance to enhance his credibility as a boxer. Paul has faced criticism throughout his boxing career, with detractors often pointing out that his opponents have largely been MMA fighters or retired athletes rather than active boxers.
By taking on a former world champion like Chavez Jr., Paul may be attempting to silence some of his critics and prove that he can hold his own against a legitimate boxer.
At the same time, Chavez Jr. acknowledged that taking a fight against Jake Paul would be primarily motivated by the media attention and the potential to open doors for future bouts. “Fighting Jake Paul, for the fame and the media, would put me in a position to fight against others,” Chavez Jr. noted, indicating that he sees the fight as a stepping stone rather than a pinnacle of his career. While the fight may not yet be set in stone, the fact that discussions are taking place suggests that both sides are interested in making it happen.
As Jake Paul continues to carve out a niche for himself in the boxing world, his next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether it’s a spectacle against an aging legend like Tyson or a matchup against a former champion like Chavez Jr., Paul’s ability to draw attention and generate buzz cannot be denied.
His fights may not always receive rave reviews from critics, but they consistently attract a massive audience, and that makes him one of the most talked-about figures in the sport today.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if the fight with Chavez Jr. comes to fruition. If it does, it could be yet another chapter in Jake Paul’s unconventional boxing journey—one that has been filled with high-profile matchups, controversies, and a constant desire to prove himself in the ring.
Whether or not he succeeds in earning the respect of the boxing community remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he will continue to be a polarizing figure in the sport.
