Jake Paul beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a legitimate boxer and former world champion, via unanimous decision. It was the toughest challenge of Paul’s career and he passed with flying colors.
Chavez (54-7-1) was a former middleweight champion, though the last time he held gold was over 14 years ago. Still, the 39-year-old had plenty to give to the sport. Paul (12-1) used his jab to punish Chavez in the early rounds while landing for power. Chavez didn’t even land a punch in the first round.
As the fight went on, Paul utilized his hooks to back Chavez up. Chavez did manage to provide some form of offense in the later rounds, with the fans and commentators cheering when he actually won a round. It wasn’t until the last two rounds that he went for the knockout.
A tired Paul survived those rounds, connecting with big shots of his own. If it wasn’t for those rounds, Paul may have had a shutout win. Instead, he got a unanimous decision win and a massive one for his resume.
Per CompuBox, Paul landed seven of 30 jabs per round and 42% of his power punches. He landed 140 of 482 shots (29%). Chavez landed 40 of his 61 punches over the last three rounds.
As a result of the win, Paul will now be elevated in the WBA’s cruiserweight standings. He’s in line to fight for gold, currently held by Gilberto Ramirez. Other champions in the division include Badou Jack and Jai Opetaia.
Chavez is now 2-3 in his last five fights. It’s unknown what’s next for him after competing three times in four years.
MORE: Ranking the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world
Speaking of Ramirez (48-1), the WBA and WBO champion beat Yuniel Dorticos (27-3) via unanimous decision to retain his titles. “Zurdo” adjusted well in the seventh after starting slow and bullied Dorticos’ body.
Dorticos hit several low blows, at one point being deducted a point. Once Ramirez woke up, he managed to land hooks and uppercuts that hurt Dorticos, who got tired as the fight went on. Zurdo called out IBF and Ring champion Opetaia after the fight.
Floyd Schofield missed out on an opportunity to fight Shaker Stevenson a few months ago. He may be back in the running to face him after only needing less than two minutes to take out Tevin Farmer. Schofield (19-0) knocked down the former champion twice, and the referee saw enough after a flurry of shots.
The 22-year-old proved doubters wrong and could face the winner of Stevenson vs. William Zepeda in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, it had been twelve years since Holly Holm stepped inside a boxing ring. The Hall of Famer took over MMA, winning gold in the UFC. After several years away from the squared circle, it was like she never left.
MORE: Top 10 greatest female boxers of all-time
Holm (34-2-3) returned to the ring and schooled Yolanda Vega for twelve rounds. The 43-year-old won via unanimous decision, looking better as each round went on. Up next for Holm could be champion Jennifer Han or the winner of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3.
The Sporting News provided results from the entire Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight card.
Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. full card results
- Jake Paul def. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via unanimous decision (99-91, 97-93, 98-92)
- Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (c) def. Yuniel Dorticos via unanimous decision for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles (115-112, 115-112, 117-110)
- Raul Curiel def. Victor Rodriguez via KO (2:09 into round four)
- Julian Rodriguez def. Avious Griffin via KO (2:55 into round ten)
- Floyd Schofield def. Tevin Farmer via KO (1:18 into round one)
- Holly Holm def. Yolanda Vega via unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)
- Joel Iriarte def. Yusuph Metu via unanimous decision (78-74, 80-72, 79-74)
- Alexander Gueche def. Vincent Avina via unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
- Joshua Edwards def. Dominicc Hardy via KO (1:03 into round one)
- Rene Alvarado def. Victor Morales via unanimous decision (96-94, 99-91, 99-91)
MORE: Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Gilberto Ramirez vs. Yuniel Dorticos predictions
Where to watch Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
- Live Stream: DAZN
- PPV price: $59.99
Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will be available on DAZN.
In the U.S., a DAZN monthly subscription is $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month. The annual subscription is $224.99. The PPV price will be $59.99.
In the U.K. a DAZN monthly subscription costs £9.99 on a 12-month contract or £19.99 month-to-month. An annual subscription will cost £99.99. The PPV price will be £24.99.
In Australia, a DAZN monthly subscription is $14.99. A DAZN annual (upfront) subscription costs $149.99. The PPV price will be $49.99.
Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. start time
- Date: Saturday, June 28
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT | 1 am. BST | 10 a.m. AEST
- Location: Honda Center – Anaheim, California
The Paul vs. Chavez fight is in the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on June 28. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET.
What time does the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. main event start?
- Main event start time (approx.): 11:30 p.m ET | 8:30 p.m. PT | 4:30 a.m. BST | 1:30 p.m. AEST
Paul and Chavez should make their way to the ring around 11:30 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
