Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. squared off Thursday at the final press conference ahead of their highly anticipated main event, set for Saturday, June 28, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The bout, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Most Valuable Promotions, will stream live globally on DAZN pay-per-view.
Paul, who enters the ring with an 11-1 record and 7 knockouts, spoke confidently about his mindset and what this fight represents for his career. “He’s a great fighter. I like big names, legendary names, and he’s on my path to a world championship,” Paul said. “This is a tough test, a very tough test, but I’m here to challenge myself and do big things in this sport and then make a title run after I beat him on Saturday.”
He acknowledged Chavez Jr.’s preparation but maintained his own belief in his skillset. “They’re saying this is the hardest he’s ever trained, and he’s right… I’m not a good boxer. I’m a great boxer.”
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the former world champion from Mexico with a record of 54-6-1 and 34 knockouts, was more dismissive of Paul’s abilities. “No, I don’t think he’s good. I think he tries, he trains hard, but he’s not a good fighter. He’s definitely not a good boxer,” Chavez said. “If he were a good boxer, then everyone else on this stage would be a legend.”
When asked whether Paul had gotten under his skin, Chavez responded, “No, not really. I was expecting that from him. That’s the only way he can get attention because in boxing, he really has nothing to get presumptuous about.” Still, he remained confident in his preparation. “I always prepare to take a win. I’m here to win and that’s why I’m so confident that I will win.”
Chavez’s father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., didn’t mince words when addressing the matchup. “Jake Paul just fought against Mike Tyson, who didn’t even throw one punch. This is not Mike Tyson. You [Jake] are going to get your ass whooped,” he said. “Julio is going to go in throwing some serious punches, and you’re going to be running like a chicken without a head.”
The energy is high, the words have been exchanged, and now both men will settle their differences under the lights in Anaheim.