The boxing world buzzed on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as Jake Paul, the internet personality turned professional fighter, stepped back into the ring at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. His opponent? Julio Cesar chavez Jr., a former world champion with a legendary boxing name but a career marked by inconsistency and recent inactivity. This highly anticipated cruiserweight clash headlined a significant fight card, drawing attention after paul’s high-profile bout against Mike Tyson.
The event aimed to further solidify Paul’s position in the sport while testing him against a fighter with genuine championship pedigree, albeit one past his prime. With Paul openly discussing ambitions for a cruiserweight world title shot in 2026, facing Chavez Jr. was seen as a calculated move to gain credibility and potentially secure crucial rankings. The narrative was clear: Paul’s youthful activity and momentum versus Chavez Jr.’s experience and name recognition, tempered by age and recent struggles.
The Main Event: Paul vs. Chavez Jr. Anticipation
Jake Paul entered this bout with an official professional record of 11 wins and 1 loss, including 7 knockouts. The 28-year-old had bounced back from his sole defeat against Tommy Fury in 2023, securing five consecutive victories. His previous fight saw him earn a unanimous decision win over former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in November 2024, a fight that generated massive global viewership. Standing 6-foot-1 with a 76-inch reach, Paul weighed in at 199.4 pounds for this cruiserweight contest, continuing his climb up the weight classes.
In stark contrast stood Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a 39-year-old veteran carrying the immense legacy of his father, the iconic Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Chavez Jr.’s record stood at 54 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with 34 knockouts. He famously held the WBC middleweight title in 2011, defending it successfully three times before losing to Sergio Martinez in 2012. His career since then has been inconsistent, featuring losses to top fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs, as well as a recent split-decision loss to MMA legend Anderson Silva in 2021. Chavez Jr. had recently returned to the ring in July 2024 after a lengthy layoff, securing a decision win over Uriah Hall. Also standing 6-foot-1, Chavez Jr. possessed a slightly shorter 73-inch reach and weighed 198.4 pounds.
Comparing Paths and Predictions
The matchup presented a fascinating comparison. While Chavez Jr. boasted a significant edge in traditional professional boxing experience spanning over two decades, Paul’s recent activity and youth were undeniable advantages. Both fighters had faced Anderson Silva; Chavez Jr. lost a split decision, while Paul secured a unanimous decision win with a knockdown.
Leading up to the fight, Paul was confident, initially predicting a first-round knockout before later stating he would “take his soul.” His brother, Logan Paul, echoed this sentiment, predicting Chavez Jr. would quit once he felt Jake’s power. Chavez Jr., conversely, expressed skepticism about Paul’s skills, stating, “No, I don’t think he’s good… He’s definitely not a good boxer.” Despite this public posturing, betting odds heavily favored Paul, listing him as a -700 to -575 favorite, with Chavez Jr. a significant underdog at +400. Expert predictions cited before the bout universally leaned towards a Jake Paul victory, often forecasting a TKO or decision win, citing Paul’s physical attributes, activity, and Chavez Jr.’s age and perceived decline as key factors.
Key Undercard Results
While the main event generated headlines, the undercard featured several significant bouts, including a world title defense and returns by notable names. The preliminary card was available for streaming on Uncrowned, while the main card aired on DAZN pay-per-view starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Cruiserweight Title Unification
In the co-main event, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs going in, now 48-1) successfully defended his unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight world titles. He faced former two-time champion Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs). Ramirez secured a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds, with judges scoring the bout 115-112, 115-112, and 117-111. Dorticos was deducted a point in the tenth round for repeated low blows. Ramirez effectively used body shots throughout the fight and absorbed Dorticos’s early pressure, eventually controlling the action from the middle rounds onward. Following his win, Ramirez called out IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, expressing a desire to unify the division further.
Notable Stoppage Victories
The card featured several decisive finishes. In a welterweight bout, Raul Curiel (15-0-1, 12 KOs going in, now 16-0-1) secured a fourth-round TKO victory over Victor Ezequiel Rodriguez (16-0-1, 9 KOs going in, now 16-1-1), handing Rodriguez his first professional loss. Curiel delivered a crushing uppercut and body shot combination that resulted in a knockdown, and the referee stopped the fight shortly after due to Curiel’s follow-up barrage. Post-fight, Curiel and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya expressed interest in a fight against WBA “Regular” welterweight champion Rolly Romero.
Also on the main card, Julian Rodriguez (23-1, 14 KOs going in, now 24-1) defeated Avious Griffin (17-0, 16 KOs going in, now 17-1) via tenth-round knockout in a welterweight clash. The fight was reportedly tied on two scorecards entering the final round before Rodriguez landed a decisive left hook that led to the stoppage in the closing seconds. Griffin had previously scored a knockdown in the eighth round.
A spectacular and swift finish occurred in the lightweight division, where top prospect Floyd Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs going in, now 19-0) knocked out former world champion Tevin Farmer (33-8-1, 8 KOs going in, now 33-9-1) just 80 seconds into the first round. Schofield scored two quick knockdowns with potent power shots, leaving Farmer unable to continue.
Holm’s Boxing Return
Former boxing and UFC champion Holly Holm made a successful return to professional boxing after more than 12 years away. Fighting at lightweight, Holm secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Yolanda Guadalupe Vega Ochoa. All three judges scored the bout a shutout at 100-90. Holm’s performance showcased her continued skill and indicated her intention to compete in boxing again.
Other preliminary results saw Joel Iriarte, Alexander Gueche, Joshua Edwards, Rene Alvarado, and John Ramirez all secure victories on the undercard.
Analysis of the Event’s Context
The event underscored Jake Paul’s strategy of leveraging his immense social media following to headline major boxing events, pitting himself against opponents with name recognition. Fighting a former world champion like Chavez Jr., despite his recent form, adds a layer of traditional boxing legitimacy often questioned in Paul’s career. The bout was widely seen as another step in Paul’s calculated rise, aiming to secure rankings and pursue his stated goal of becoming a cruiserweight world champion. Discussions were already underway for potential clashes with current champions like Gilberto Ramirez or Badou Jack for 2026, suggesting Paul’s long-term vision extends beyond novelty fights.
For Chavez Jr., the fight represented a high-profile opportunity, but one potentially carrying significant risk. At 39, and following periods of inactivity and mixed results, a loss in this bout could plausibly signal the end of his storied, yet often turbulent, professional boxing career.
The undercard provided solid boxing action, highlighted by Ramirez’s successful title defense and impressive stoppage wins from rising talents like Floyd Schofield and Raul Curiel, along with the return of a combat sports icon in Holly Holm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key undercard results at the Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr event?
The undercard featured several significant fights. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defended his WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles with a unanimous decision win over Yuniel Dorticos. Raul Curiel secured a fourth-round TKO over Victor Rodriguez, and Julian Rodriguez won by KO in the tenth round against Avious Griffin. Floyd Schofield delivered a rapid first-round TKO against Tevin Farmer, and former champion Holly Holm returned to boxing with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Yolanda Vega.
How could fans watch the Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr boxing event?
The event took place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. In the United States and globally, the main card was available for viewing via DAZN pay-per-view. The preliminary card was streamed on the Uncrowned platform. The main card began at 8 p.m. ET, with the main event ring walks anticipated around 11 p.m. ET.
What did experts predict for the Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr main event?
Leading up to the fight, experts and betting markets heavily favored Jake Paul to win. Paul was listed as a significant favorite (around -700 to -575), while Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was a considerable underdog (+400). Predictions often cited Paul’s youth, activity, and physical advantages compared to Chavez Jr.’s age, recent inactivity, and perceived decline. Many forecasts predicted a victory for Paul either by TKO or unanimous decision.
Conclusion
The Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. event on June 28, 2025, at the Honda Center was a notable moment in Jake Paul’s boxing career, pitting him against a recognized former world champion. While anticipation for the main event was high, the undercard delivered compelling action, including a cruiserweight title defense and several impressive knockouts and returns. The event underlined Paul’s continued pursuit of legitimacy in the sport and his ambitions for a future world title opportunity, framed against the potential twilight of a veteran’s career.
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