Jake Paul Challenges Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: ‘A Few Punches and He’ll Quit’

LOS ANGELES — Jake Paul is doubling down on his bravado ahead of his June 28 showdown with former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., declaring with full confidence that the Mexican star will “quit after a few punches.”

The YouTube star turned professional boxer, now boasting a record of 11-1 with 7 KOs, is entering what many consider to be his most legitimate boxing test to date. Yet Paul is unfazed. In fact, he’s predicting an early collapse from the more experienced Chavez Jr., once considered the future of Mexican boxing.

“I’ve watched this guy’s career. He’s known for quitting. After the first few punches I land clean, he’s going to look for the door,” said Paul during a media scrum in Los Angeles. “This guy doesn’t want it like I do. I’m built different.”

Jake Paul Doubles Down on Bold Prediction

Known for his trash-talking antics and confidence-fueled pressers, Jake Paul is turning up the heat as the date with Chavez Jr. approaches. While the 39-year-old Chavez Jr. holds a far deeper resume in professional boxing — including a reign as WBC middleweight world champion — Paul is banking on what he sees as a history of mental lapses and weak willpower from his opponent.

“He’s going to look for an excuse. He always does. People think I’m crazy for taking this fight, but I know what I’m doing,” Paul said. “He has the name, but he doesn’t have the heart.”

Paul has faced criticism for cherry-picking opponents — often fighting MMA veterans and aging athletes — but this bout against Chavez Jr. (54-6-1, 34 KOs) marks a drastic escalation in difficulty. Chavez has nearly five times the number of professional fights Paul has and was once hailed as a future pound-for-pound great before his career was marred by inconsistency.

A Pattern of Quitting? Paul Thinks So

Jake Paul’s comments are a direct jab at Chavez Jr.’s rocky past, particularly his 2021 loss to UFC legend Anderson Silva, where he was criticized for lack of effort and conditioning. There have also been times where Chavez Jr. has been accused of mentally checking out mid-fight, most notably during his loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and his no-show performance against Daniel Jacobs in 2019, which ended in a controversial fifth-round stoppage and fan outrage.

Paul is seizing on that narrative.

“He quit against Jacobs. He gave up against Silva. And he’s going to quit against me too,” Paul said. “Only difference is, this time, the whole world’s watching, and he can’t run from it.”

Chavez Jr. Responds: “I’m Not That Fighter Anymore”

Never one to back down, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. quickly clapped back, insisting he’s mentally sharper, physically stronger, and more focused than he’s been in years.

“I know what people say. I know what Jake is trying to do. But I’m not that fighter anymore,” Chavez Jr. said in response to Paul’s comments. “He will find out quickly that I’m not Anderson Silva, I’m not Tyron Woodley. I’m a real boxer, and I’m going to punish him.”

Chavez Jr. has said his training camp is the best he’s had since his title-winning days and has been working under a stricter regime guided by his father — the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

“Jake is going to eat his words,” the elder Chavez said. “He doesn’t understand what he’s walking into. My son is more motivated now than I’ve seen in a decade.”

High Stakes for Both Fighters

The verbal warfare is heating up, but the pressure is real. For Jake Paul, a win here would likely validate his push for greater respect within boxing’s elite circles, as beating a former champion in Chavez Jr. would mark his most legitimate victory to date.

But if Paul loses — particularly in the fashion he’s predicted Chavez Jr. will — the setback could be devastating to his credibility as a serious boxer.

“This isn’t just about winning,” Paul explained. “It’s about breaking a man who people used to think was great. It’s about showing the world that I belong in this sport — not as a gimmick, but as a real contender.”

Jake Paul Betting on Pressure and Power

Jake Paul has made it clear that his game plan involves applying early pressure, something he believes Chavez Jr. won’t be able to handle.

“He doesn’t want to get hit. He doesn’t like pressure. I’m going to put it on him from the opening bell, and once I land a couple of shots, he’s going to start looking for the exit. That’s what quitters do.”

While some experts scoff at the idea that Paul could dismantle a seasoned veteran like Chavez Jr., others argue that Chavez’s inconsistencies and lack of motivation in the past make him a ripe target for an upset.

“If Jake catches him early and Chavez isn’t ready mentally, it could get ugly fast,” said former trainer Freddie Roach. “But if Chavez shows up in shape and focused, it’s going to be a long night for Jake Paul.”

Chavez Jr. Faces Fight for Redemption

While Paul is chasing credibility, Chavez Jr. is fighting for redemption. A loss to a YouTuber — even one who’s grown significantly as a boxer — would deal a potentially career-ending blow to his already diminished reputation.

“This is personal,” Chavez Jr. said. “He’s trying to disrespect everything I’ve worked for. But it’s going to be him quitting, not me.”

June 28: A Night of Truth

The venue is set: Honda Center in Anaheim. The anticipation is sky-high. Paul’s prediction of Chavez Jr. quitting early has added even more fuel to an already electric build-up.

Jake Paul has a history of backing up his words — but he’s never fought someone with the depth of experience Chavez Jr. brings. On the other side, Chavez Jr. has a chance to finally prove that the fire still burns, and that he’s more than just a fading name in a famous lineage.

One man will rise. One man may fall. But on June 28, in front of thousands of fans and millions more watching around the world, someone will be silenced — either Paul’s mouth or Chavez Jr.’s legacy.