Jake Paul secured a decisive victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, in a joint event by Most Valuable Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions on DAZN. The internet sensation, who lacks an amateur boxing background, demonstrated notable improvements against Chavez, a former world champion known for his lackluster training discipline.
Chavez, once a formidable opponent who went the distance with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, has struggled with consistency and discipline in recent years. His career has been marred by issues such as testing positive for marijuana prior to his 2012 fight against Sergio Martinez and quitting against Daniel Jacobs in 2019. Despite his past achievements, Chavez was no match for Paul, who dominated the fight with scores of 97-93, 98-92, and 99-91.
Paul’s performance was marked by effective jabs and combinations, showcasing a level of skill and dedication to training that has evolved since his early bouts against less experienced opponents. His victory over Chavez, however, has not deterred him from seeking more challenging adversaries.
Paul’s Ambitious Call-Outs
Following his win, Paul expressed a desire to face tougher competition, listing a series of high-profile fighters he aims to challenge. Among these names are boxing world champions and pay-per-view stars, including Anthony Joshua and Gervonta Davis. Notably, Paul also mentioned a potential bout with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who fought on the same card and secured a victory over Yuniel Dorticos.
Paul’s business partner, Nikisa Bidarian, emphasized their interest in a fight with Badou Jack, highlighting the strategic planning behind Paul’s future matchups. Despite his ambitious call-outs, Paul has notably omitted Deontay Wilder from his list, a fighter who many believe would be a logical next opponent.
Deontay Wilder: The Overlooked Contender
Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, recently returned to the ring with a victory over Tyrrell Herndon in Wichita, Kansas. Although his reputation as a fearsome puncher remains intact, questions linger about his current standing in the sport following losses to Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Zhilei Zhang.
Despite these uncertainties, a bout between Paul and Wilder could generate significant interest and revenue. Wilder’s manager, Shelley Finkel, has indicated that he would present such an opportunity to Wilder, allowing him to consider the financial and career implications.
“If it makes dollars, it makes sense,” Wilder has often said, underscoring his pragmatic approach to fight selection.
Strategic Considerations and Future Prospects
While Paul continues to develop his boxing skills, his team is strategically planning his career trajectory. Bidarian has suggested that a fight with Anthony Joshua could be feasible by the end of 2026, allowing Paul more time to refine his abilities and potentially capitalize on Joshua’s advancing age.
In the meantime, a matchup with Wilder presents an opportunity for Paul to engage in a high-profile event that could capture the attention of both boxing enthusiasts and casual fans. The fight would likely draw significant viewership and media coverage, particularly if held in a major venue such as New York or Las Vegas.
As Paul navigates the complexities of his boxing career, the choices he makes in selecting opponents will be crucial in shaping his legacy in the sport. Whether he opts for a challenging bout with Wilder or continues to pursue other high-profile fighters, the coming months will be pivotal in determining his path forward.
The boxing world will be watching closely as Jake Paul seeks to transition from internet sensation to legitimate contender, with each fight serving as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goals.