Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has declared that a defeat against Jake Paul would compel him to retire from boxing and disappear from public life.
The former middleweight world champion, son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., is scheduled to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul this Saturday in California.
Chavez Jr., a second-generation fighter, stated that losing to Paul would be so profoundly embarrassing that he wouldn`t be able to show his face publicly.
When directly asked if a loss would mean the end of his boxing career, the 39-year-old replied with a simple, “Yes, man.” He then elaborated in Spanish, with Mexican comedian `Doknow` translating his comments from a round table discussion.
According to the translation, Chavez Jr. said, “He says if he loses this fight, he is finished. He is finished with boxing, he will never fight again.” He added, “He will go into hiding for two years and perhaps return later, because he would be ashamed to lose to a man like Jake Paul.”
Paul, 28, was quick to retort, “Well, start planning it out, buddy.”
Chavez Jr. originally won the WBC title in 2011 and successfully defended the prestigious green and gold belt, closely associated with his father`s legacy, three times.
However, in recent years, his career has reportedly suffered from a lack of dedication and issues with substance abuse, although he has now achieved one year of sobriety.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul is coming off a recent victory over Mike Tyson, who controversially stepped back into the ring at the age of 58 in November.
Paul`s only professional boxing loss came against Tommy Fury, 26, by split decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023. He has been on a winning streak since that defeat.
Paul believes that a win against Chavez Jr. will significantly boost his standing, potentially earning him a ranking with the WBC and WBA, which could pave the way for an unexpected world title shot.
He elaborated on his ambitions: “My goal is to become world champion, and the WBA and WBC plan to rank me based on my performance. Once I am ranked, I can contend for a title shot.”
Paul regards Chavez Jr. as a significant opponent: “He is a formidable opponent, a former world champion. It`s a great, ten-round test to prepare for what will eventually be a world championship fight.”
Regarding potential opponents, Badou Jack, 41, currently holds the WBC title and has previously expressed openness to fighting Paul.
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, 34, who holds the unified WBA and WBO titles, is also featured on the undercard, facing Yuniel Dorticos, 39.
Another potential title holder is Jai Opetaia, 29, Australia`s undefeated pound-for-pound standout, who holds the IBF belt.
Oliver Croft