ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 28, 2025) -In a high-stakes cruiserweight showdown at the Honda Center, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul delivered a disciplined and confident performance to defeat former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. via unanimous decision. The judges’ scorecards read 99–91, 98–92, and 97–93, solidifying Paul’s 12‑1 (7 KOs) record .
Paul controlled the ring from the opening bell, showcasing sharp jabs, punishing body shots, and reliable stamina. Chávez Jr., 39, appeared sluggish early on, failing to connect in Round 1 and remaining passive through the first four rounds. Observers noted Paul out landed Chávez by nearly 80 punches over the 10 rounds, landing 140 to Chávez’s 61. Chávez Jr. rallied during Rounds 6–9, finding openings and landing some heavy shots, including a strong ninth round that briefly energized the crowd. However, his late surge wasn’t enough to overcome Paul’s early lead.
Paul’s victory marks his sixth straight win since his sole loss to Tommy Fury in early 2023. The WBC has hinted at including him in its cruiserweight rankings pending a convincing performance, and this likely qualifies. In the post-fight press scrum, Paul issued open challenges to high-profile fighters like Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, Badou Jack, Gervonta Davis, Anthony Joshua, Tommy Fury, and even called out Canelo Alvarez for “ducking” the fight.
Paul is at a career crossroads: cementing his transition from boxing spectacle to a serious cruiserweight contender. A bout against current cruiserweight title holders such as Ramirez or Jack could pave the way to a legitimate world title opportunity, possibly even leading to a ranking by WBC. Paul’s consistent performance and ambitious callouts suggest he’s ready for the next major step. Paul’s performance speaks loudly: he’s serious, disciplined, and positioning himself for a genuine shot at a world title.
