The boxing world tunes in again as social media star turned fighter Jake “The Problem Child” Paul prepares to face former world champion julio César Chávez Jr. This highly anticipated cruiserweight bout headlines an exciting fight card taking place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Fans are eager to know exactly when the action starts and how they can catch every punch.
This guide provides all the essential details, from the event start time and crucial main event ring walk estimates to broadcasting information and a look at the full lineup. Get ready for a night that continues Jake Paul’s unique journey in the sport against a seasoned veteran with a legendary name.
When Does the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. Fight Start?
Timing is key for fight fans! The full fight card for the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. event is scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 28. The preliminary bouts kick off earlier in the day.
The main pay-per-view portion of the event starts at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). For West Coast fans in California, that’s 5 p.m. Pacific Time (PT). Those watching in Central Time (CT) can tune in starting at 7 p.m. CT.
Estimated Ring Walk Time for Paul vs. Chávez Jr.
The main event ring walks for Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. are expected around 11 p.m. ET. This translates to approximately 8 p.m. PT in Anaheim, where the fight is held. In the UK, this will be around 4 a.m. Sunday BST, and 03:00 GMT Sunday.
Keep in mind that this is an estimated time. The actual start time for the main event depends heavily on how long the undercard fights last. Knockouts or quick decisions could push the main event forward, while longer, competitive bouts might delay it slightly.
Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr.: The Fighters
This matchup pits two fighters with vastly different paths to the ring against each other.
Jake “The Problem Child” Paul
Jake Paul, 28, transitioned from massive social media fame to professional boxing. He holds a professional record of 11 wins and one loss, with seven victories coming by knockout. Paul’s most recent fight was a high-profile victory over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in November 2024, which reportedly became Netflix’s most-streamed sporting event ever with around 65 million viewers. His only professional defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023, after which he has secured five consecutive wins. Paul has publicly stated ambitions to challenge for a cruiserweight world title in 2026 and has even called out top names like Canelo Alvarez, though a potential fight didn’t materialize this time. Paul views Chávez Jr. as his most experienced opponent to date and a significant test on his path.
Julio César Chávez Jr.
Julio César Chávez Jr., 39, is the son of boxing icon Julio César Chávez Sr. He was a former WBC middleweight world champion, holding the title from 2011 to 2012 with three successful defenses. His extensive 22-year career includes major fights against elite boxers like Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs. Chávez Jr.’s career has faced significant challenges, including struggles outside the ring and limited recent activity. He lost a split decision to former MMA fighter Anderson Silva in 2021 but has since secured two wins. His most recent bout was in July 2024 against Uriah Hall. Despite his past glory and name recognition, Chávez Jr. hasn’t held a major title in over a decade and is making a significant weight jump to cruiserweight for this fight. He has expressed strong motivation to defeat Paul and potentially end his opponent’s boxing career.
How to Watch Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr.
The exclusive broadcaster for the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. event is DAZN.
The fight is available live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in over 200 countries. To watch, you will need a DAZN subscription in addition to purchasing the pay-per-view event.
DAZN Pay-Per-View Cost
In the United States, the cost to access the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. pay-per-view event is $59.99.
DAZN also offers bundle options for fans. For $94.99, US viewers can purchase the Paul vs. Chávez Jr. event along with another upcoming major fight card, such as the Oleksandr Usyk fight on July 19th or the Shakur Stevenson fight on July 12th. UK pricing is approximately £24.99 for the PPV, with bundles available for around £39.99.
The Full Fight Card
The event features a stacked lineup of bouts before the main event. Here is the fight card confirmed by DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions:
Main Event (Cruiserweight): Jake Paul vs Julio César Chávez Jr.
Co-Main Event (Cruiserweight): Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez vs Yuniel Dorticos (for the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles) – This is a significant title unification bout featuring two former world champions.
Lightweight: Holly Holm vs Yolanda Guadalupe Vega Ochoa – Former UFC champion and boxing titlist Holly Holm returns to the boxing ring.
Lightweight: Floyd Schofield vs Tevin Farmer – A promising prospect takes on a former world champion.
Welterweight: Avious Griffin vs Julian Rodriguez
Welterweight: Raul “Cugar” Curiel vs Victor Ezequiel Rodriguez
Light flyweight: Naomy Valle vs Ashley Felix
Additionally, a preliminary card is scheduled to begin earlier in the day, adding more action for early viewers. Bouts on the prelims include:
Welterweight: Joel Iriarte vs Kevin Johnson
Super flyweight: John “Scrappy“ Ramirez vs Saleto Henderson
Bantamweight: Alexander Gueche vs Vincent Avina
Heavyweight: Joshua Edwards vs Dominic Hardy
Super featherweight: Victor Morales vs Rene Alvarado
Context and Analysis of the Matchup
This fight is seen by many as a strategic step for Jake Paul. While his win over Mike Tyson was a massive commercial success, critics argue it didn’t prove his mettle against an active, top-level boxer. Chávez Jr., despite his age and career struggles, offers a known name with genuine boxing pedigree, including lasting 12 rounds with Canelo Alvarez years ago. This provides Paul with a credible name on his record.
However, analysis suggests this is likely a calculated risk. Chávez Jr.’s limited recent activity, significant weight class jump from his prime, and well-documented personal issues could make him less dangerous than his name suggests. Betting odds reflect this, heavily favoring Paul. Paul weighed in at 199.4 lbs, just slightly heavier than Chávez Jr.’s 198.4 lbs, both within the cruiserweight limit. Experts who have offered predictions generally lean towards a Jake Paul victory, possibly by decision, noting Chávez Jr.’s durability but questioning his current form and motivation.
The estimated prize money for the event is reported to exceed $20 million, highlighting the significant financial draw Jake Paul brings to boxing. Paul’s team has openly discussed targeting world titles, and a win over a former world champion like Chávez Jr., even one past his prime, could help his case for gaining rankings or securing a controversial title shot down the line, aligning with his public callouts of elite fighters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. fight event start?
The full event fight card begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, June 28. This is 5 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) for those on the West Coast and 7 p.m. Central Time (CT). Preliminary bouts start earlier, while the main pay-per-view broadcast kicks off at the 8 p.m. ET time.
What is the estimated ring walk time for Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr.?
The main event ring walks for Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. are estimated to occur around 11 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 28. This corresponds to approximately 8 p.m. PT in Anaheim, California. The exact time can vary depending on the duration of the undercard fights earlier in the evening.
How can I watch the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. fight and what is the cost?
The fight is available exclusively live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. You need both a standard DAZN subscription and to purchase the pay-per-view event. In the United States, the cost for the PPV is $59.99. DAZN also offers bundle packages, like the $94.99 option that includes this event plus another major fight card in July.
Conclusion
The Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. fight is set to be a major event, blending mainstream celebrity draw with a recognizable boxing name. While the historical significance of the Chávez name is undeniable, the focus will be on whether the younger, more active Paul can overcome a former champion with significant experience, even if he is past his prime. Tune in via DAZN Pay-Per-View on Saturday, June 28, starting at 8 p.m. ET, with main event ring walks expected around 11 p.m. ET, to see how this intriguing matchup unfolds.
