The Fight: A One-Sided Affair Until the Late Surge
On June 28, 2025, at Anaheim’s Honda Center, Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) faced his most accomplished opponent by far: former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. (54-7-1, 34 KOs). The result was a unanimous decision victory for Paul (99-91, 97-93, 98-92), but the fight’s narrative was defined by Chávez’s baffling passivity.
Early Rounds Domination
Chávez threw only 63 punches in the first seven rounds, landing just 21. He failed to land any punches in Round 1 and only nine in the first five. Paul controlled the pace with sharp jabs, body hooks, and newly added uppercuts, while Chávez hid behind a high guard.
Late Rally Too Little, Too Late
Chávez finally awakened in Rounds 9 and 10, landing an uppercut and right hook that snapped Paul’s head back. He celebrated after the ninth as if he’d won, but the effort was insufficient to sway judges or silence critics who accused him of being “washed” and “there for a payday.”
Crowd Reaction
Boos rained down throughout the fight, intensifying as Chávez’s reluctance persisted. Paul mocked the hostility post-fight: “All the boos are words… y’all can shut the fuck up.”
The Aftermath: Rankings, Roasts, and Callouts
WBA Ranking & Title Shot Eligibility
Two days after the fight, the WBA ranked Paul No. 14 at cruiserweight, making him eligible for a world title shot against champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (48-1, 30 KOs). This decision sparked debate:
- Purist Backlash: Critics argued Paul’s résumé—filled with MMA fighters (Anderson Silva), celebrities, and faded stars (Mike Tyson)—lacked the rigor to justify the ranking.
- Commercial Reality: As boxing’s top financial draw (his Tyson fight grossed $29M in Texas), Paul’s marketability likely influenced the WBA’s move. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman had earlier hinted at ranking Paul if he “won convincingly.”
Paul’s Callouts: From Zurdo to Canelo
Post-fight, Paul issued challenges spanning weight classes and generations:
- Gilberto Ramírez (“Zurdo”): Accused him of being “slow” after Ramírez’s lackluster win over Dorticos.
- Badou Jack: WBC cruiserweight champion, whom Paul’s promoter called “more promotable.”
- Tommy Fury: Paul’s sole conqueror (2023 split decision); he demanded a rematch.
- Anthony Joshua & Gervonta Davis: High-profile, unrealistic targets signaling Paul’s ambition.
- Canelo Álvarez: Claimed a signed contract for May existed, accusing Canelo of ducking him for a lucrative Saudi-backed Crawford fight.
Table: Jake Paul’s Potential Next Opponents
| Opponent | Belt/Claim | Likelihood | Paul’s Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilberto Ramírez | WBA Cruiserweight Champ | High | “Easy work” after lackluster performance |
| Badou Jack | WBC Cruiserweight Champ | Medium | More promotable than Zurdo |
| Tommy Fury | Paul’s only loss | Medium | Redemption narrative |
| Canelo Álvarez | Super Middleweight King | Low | Mega-payday despite weight disparity |
The Broader Context: Credibility Wars
The Chávez Jr. Conundrum
Once a middleweight titlist, Chávez entered the ring a shadow of his former self. Plagued by weight issues, drug suspensions, and motivational struggles, he hadn’t held a title in 13 years and had fought only once since 2021. His listless performance reinforced skepticism:
- Fan Backlash: Social media erupted with accusations of the fight being a “mockery,” with Chávez paid to “stand still.”
- Legacy Damage: Chavez Sr.’s visible despair at ringside symbolized his son’s wasted potential.
Paul’s Paradox: Progress vs. Opposition Quality
Paul has evolved: his jab crisper, work rate higher, and defense tighter since the Fury loss. Yet fighting over-the-hill names like Tyson (58) and Chávez (39) undermines credibility gains. As one fan jeered: “He lost to Fury and immediately went back to begging fighters way over the hill.”
What’s Next: Title Shots and Unfinished Business
- Zurdo Ramírez or Badou Jack: A cruiserweight title fight in late 2025 seems probable. Ramírez, though unimpressed by Paul, acknowledged, “After [Dorticos], whoever.”
- The Canelo Mirage: Despite Paul’s contract claims, Alvarez appears committed to facing Terence Crawford in September. Saudi organizer Turki Alalshikh’s involvement makes Paul’s May dream unlikely.
- The Fury Rematch: Still the fight fans demand to see Paul tested against a prime, dedicated boxer.
Conclusion: The Problem Child’s Crossroads
Jake Paul’s win over Chávez Jr. was a tactical triumph but a narrative stalemate. By entering the WBA rankings, he earned a pathway to legitimacy. Yet until he faces an active, ranked cruiserweight—not legends collecting checks or champions chasing Saudis—his boxing credibility will linger in purgatory.
As Chávez himself conceded: “He’s strong, a good boxer… but he’s not ready for the champions.”
For Paul, the solution is simple: fight Zurdo, Badou, or Fury—and silence the boos with stakes, not spectacle.