Jake Paul’s journey through the professional boxing landscape reached a new milestone on Saturday night, June 29, 2025. The influencer-turned-boxer secured a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar chavez Jr. The cruiserweight bout took place before a capacity crowd at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
This win represents arguably the most significant name on Paul’s professional record so far. While Chavez Jr. is a recognized former world champion, his best years are more than a decade in the past. Paul controlled the action effectively, earning scorecards of 99-91, 97-93, and 98-92 from the ringside judges.
paul’s Dominant Performance Unfolds
From the opening bell, Jake Paul established control using his jab. Chavez Jr. appeared notably passive throughout the early rounds, offering minimal offense in return. Paul consistently landed punches while his opponent often remained behind a high guard. This early inactivity from Chavez Jr. drew visible frustration from his corner and increasing boos from the pro-Chavez crowd as the fight wore on.
CompuBox statistics highlight Paul’s striking dominance. He landed 140 of 482 total punches thrown (29%). A significant portion of this offense came from his jab, landing 65 of 302 attempts (21.5%). Chavez Jr.’s output was drastically lower, connecting on just 61 of 154 punches thrown (39.6%). Tellingly, Chavez Jr. landed only six punches across the first four rounds, indicating his lack of engagement in the fight’s initial stages.
Paul himself described his performance as “flawless” after the bout. He claimed he was hit only about 10 times. He highlighted the achievement of going 10 rounds with a former world champion. Paul contrasted his experience with Chavez Jr.’s past opponents like Canelo Alvarez. “He’s a tough guy,” Paul acknowledged regarding Chavez Jr.’s durability. “He’s never been stopped, and he’s a Mexican warrior… I respect Mexico, but I’m also a warrior and I came out on top tonight.”
Analyzing the Cruiserweight Clash
As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Paul began incorporating power shots behind his persistent jab. He eased an uppercut into his offensive repertoire. Despite landing effectively, Paul didn’t appear close to stopping Chavez Jr., who remained passive but durable. Ringside observers noted Chavez Jr. at times seemed “lost” or a “sitting duck.” His legendary father, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., was visibly distressed at ringside, reportedly looking “deflated and irate” at his son’s lack of action.
Chavez Jr.’s activity finally increased in the later rounds. He landed hard hooks in the ninth and tenth rounds. He landed 40 of his total 61 punches in these final three frames. This late surge tested Paul, who showed resilience by weathering the storm. He continued to throw punches until the final bell. Chavez Jr., who had fought just once since 2022 before this bout, offered his perspective post-fight. He believed Paul was strong early but felt he tired later. Based on this, Chavez Jr. stated he didn’t think Paul was “ready for the champions.” However, he still acknowledged Paul as a “good fighter.”
This contest against Chavez Jr. marked Paul’s return to the cruiserweight limit (200 lbs). His previous fight was a higher-profile unanimous decision win over heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in November 2024. Paul’s professional record now stands at 12 wins and 1 loss (12-1), including seven knockouts. This win represents his sixth consecutive victory since his sole defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023. Chavez Jr.’s record fell to 54-7-1 with 34 knockouts after the loss. The fight was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and streamed on DAZN pay-per-view.
What’s Next? Paul Targets Elite Boxers
With the win secured, Jake Paul wasted no time outlining his ambitious future plans. His ultimate goal is to become a boxing world champion. He used his post-fight platform to call out several established fighters, primarily within the cruiserweight division.
Paul specifically targeted WBA and WBO unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Ramirez had successfully defended his titles on the same fight card in the co-main event. Paul commented on Ramirez’s performance, calling him “slow.” He also challenged WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack by name. Adding to his list, Paul reiterated his desire for a rematch with Tommy Fury. He even suggested former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis as potential future opponents, though these call-outs significantly cross traditional weight class boundaries.
Paul was direct about his intentions. “I want tougher fighters,” he stated. His post-fight confidence was high. He responded to the booing crowd defiantly, telling them to “shut the f* up.” He punctuated his victory declaration with “I’m him.”
Paul’s Path and Potential Ranking
The victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is expected to impact Jake Paul’s standing in professional boxing significantly. Both the WBC and WBA sanctioning bodies are anticipated to include him in their cruiserweight rankings. Achieving a top 15 ranking is typically a prerequisite for challenging for a world title under WBC rules. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman had previously indicated that Paul would be considered for a ranking if he defeated Chavez Jr.
While Paul’s promotional team argues he has proven his merit by defeating a more accomplished fighter, his path to a title shot remains debated. Critics point to the age and condition of his opponents, such as the 58-year-old Mike Tyson and the 39-year-old Chavez Jr., who has struggled with discipline and activity. Chavez Jr.’s career has been marred by weight issues and discouraging performances, including a loss to former UFC star Anderson Silva, whom Paul defeated a year prior. The contrast between Paul’s perceived improvements (a crisper jab, higher work rate) and the level of resistance offered by his recent opponents remains a key discussion point among boxing analysts.
Despite the debate, Paul continues to attract new audiences to boxing. He also supports women fighters through his promotion company. However, to earn widespread credibility among traditional boxing fans and purists, facing legitimately ranked and active contenders is seen as the necessary next step. A win over a name like Chavez Jr. or Tyson boosts Paul’s brand but doesn’t fully address questions about his readiness for top-tier competition. Paul’s journey towards a potential world title shot represents a clash between traditional boxing progression and the influence of celebrity in the modern fight game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key statistics from the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight?
Jake Paul dominated the fight statistically, winning a clear unanimous decision (99-91, 97-93, 98-92). He significantly outlanded Chavez Jr., connecting on 140 punches compared to Chavez Jr.’s 61. Paul relied heavily on his jab, landing 65 of them. Chavez Jr. was particularly inactive in the early rounds, landing only six punches in the first four frames before increasing his output later.
What does Jake Paul’s win over Chavez Jr. mean for his boxing future and title aspirations?
The victory improves Jake Paul’s professional record to 12-1 and is expected to result in him being ranked within the top 15 by major boxing sanctioning bodies like the WBC and WBA in the cruiserweight division. A top 15 ranking is typically required for a world title shot. Paul immediately called out recognized champions like Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack, signaling his intent to challenge for a cruiserweight world title in the future.
How did Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. perform in the fight, and what was his post-fight reaction?
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s performance was widely criticized for its lack of activity, particularly in the early rounds. Despite being a former world champion, he appeared lethargic and threw few punches for large portions of the bout. While he increased his output in the final rounds, it was not enough to challenge the decision. Chavez Jr. stated post-fight that he felt Paul tired later and didn’t believe Paul was ready for champions, though he called him a “good fighter.”
Conclusion
Jake Paul’s unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at the Honda Center marks another chapter in his unconventional boxing career. He demonstrated control and durability against a former champion, albeit one well past his prime and grappling with career-long issues. With this win, Paul’s record now stands at an impressive 12-1, and he is poised to enter the ranks of major sanctioning bodies. His outspoken calls for fights against established champions signal a clear intention to pursue a world title. While questions persist about the caliber of his opposition compared to active contenders, Paul’s ambition is undeniable. The boxing world watches to see if his path will lead to a legitimate challenge for championship gold or if the step up in competition will reveal the limits of his rapid ascent.
