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Jake Paul beats Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision

Jun 28, 2025 | 11:29 PM

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jake Paul beat former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision on Saturday night, dominating the early rounds before holding on against Chávez’s late rally.

Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) appeared to be taking the biggest risk of his unique boxing career by facing his most accomplished opponent in the 39-year-old Chávez (54-7-2), and doing it in front of an ardently pro-Chávez crowd.

At least it seemed like a risk until Chávez stepped into the ring at Honda Center and looked lifeless, barely throwing a punch until late in the fourth round.

Even with his famous father shouting furiously at ringside, Chávez fought tentatively and tepidly against Paul, who patiently controlled the ring and landed just enough to win rounds.