Jake Paul has been strategic in opponent selection in his first 12 professional boxing matches. After starting out facing fellow social media influencers, Paul moved on to challenging retired former UFC fighters, including former champions.
He holds boxing wins over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, including by knockout in their second fight, and a decision win over former UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva. The one loss on Paul’s record came when he fought semi-active boxer, Tommy Fury in 2023.
This Saturday, Paul takes on the most accomplished opponent of his career, former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Paul’s boxing coach, J’Leon Love, believes the fight is Paul’s moment to show his boxing critics that he’s not going anywhere.
“Training has been great. We worked that motherf**ker. We almost got fired. Pushing him. We didn’t give a f**k. We were like, ‘Yo, we don’t know type of Chavez is gonna arrive,” said Love.
“He’s focused, mentally and physically focused. Physically ready. I think he’s been anticipating this for a while, so this is it for him. This is his moment to let people know I’m really here, I’m not playing, I’m not f**king around. I’ll take anybody you put in front of me. So, yeah, this is his moment,” continued Love.
“I’m looking forward for Jake to be able to showcase his full arsenal of punches, his repertoire of skill and everything he’s been learning. And just pour it out in the ring.”
Paul last fought in December, defeating a 58 year-old Mike Tyson via unanimous decision at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was his fifth consecutive win.
Chavez Jr. is coming off back-to-back wins. He returned to the ring last July for the first time since December 2021, defeating former UFC fighter Uriah Hall via unanimous decision.
