Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. clinched the WBC middleweight championship in 2011 by defeating Sebastian Zbik. Just five months later, he stepped into the ring for his initial title defense, facing Peter Manfredo Jr.
Currently, boxing fans are anticipating the June 28 clash where Jake Paul is set to compete against former WBC middleweight champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. This match follows Paul`s widely discussed bout with Mike Tyson last November.
Leading up to the fight with Chavez Jr., Paul has drawn considerable criticism, particularly for likening himself to the iconic Muhammad Ali – a comparison that hasn`t resonated well with many fans.
Chavez Jr.`s original title win against Sebastian Zbik was mired in controversy, with numerous observers suggesting he didn`t legitimately earn the decision and effectively `stole` the title.
Despite the questions surrounding his title acquisition, Chavez Jr. delivered a far more convincing and dominant performance in his first defense against Peter Manfredo Jr.
The Defense: Nearly Knocking Manfredo Jr. Out of the Ring
Motivated to silence the skeptics after his contentious title victory, Chavez Jr. was determined to make a statement in his first defense, occurring only five months after securing the belt.
The fight unfolded at the Reliant Arena in Houston, Texas. In the early rounds, Manfredo Jr. demonstrated activity and appeared to be settling into the rhythm of what was his second opportunity at a title.
Though slightly outpaced in the initial stages, Chavez Jr. landed several significant power punches that likely caught the attention of the judges.
Manfredo Jr. maintained his forward pressure, seemingly hoping to exhaust and eventually break down Chavez Jr.
However, Chavez Jr. proved effective fighting on the back foot. In the fifth round, he connected with a powerful counter right hand that visibly hurt Manfredo Jr., sending him reeling towards the ropes.
The champion aggressively pursued his wounded opponent, unleashing a barrage of punches that drove Manfredo Jr. precariously close to being knocked completely out of the ring. Although Manfredo Jr. remained standing, he was clearly unable to adequately defend himself, prompting the referee to step in and halt the contest, awarding Chavez Jr. a TKO victory.
Jake Paul`s Vow: Making Chavez Jr. the `Next Meme`
While boxing traditionalists may not always appreciate `The Problem Child`, the immense public attention and new viewership he has attracted to the sport over the past few years are undeniable.
Following notable knockout victories against opponents like Tyron Woodley, Paul has boldly declared his intention to make Chavez Jr. “the next meme.” He commented that being knocked out is particularly humiliating in today`s world due to the pervasive nature of social media.
Even with the fight against Chavez Jr. just weeks away, Paul has already begun listing potential future opponents, signaling his clear desire to continue his high-profile and often controversial journey in boxing.
