Former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, previously considered by some to be past his prime, is making a return to boxing and claims he had the opportunity to face either Jake Paul or his YouTube boxing counterpart, KSI. Chavez Jr says he chose Paul for his comeback fight.
Chavez Jr last competed on a Jake Paul undercard in July of last year, where he secured a debated victory against former UFC fighter Uriah Hall. Now, he is set to face Paul himself.
Their upcoming bout will take place at cruiserweight. This is a significantly higher weight class than where the Mexican boxer achieved his world championship status more than ten years ago.
Chavez Jr Details His Preference for Fighting Jake Paul
Addressing his decision, Chavez Jr stated that the opportunity to fight Paul came his way, noting Paul`s current prominence. While acknowledging the fight isn`t his highest payday, he emphasized that his main motivation is the chance to defeat Paul.
Chavez Jr added that he feels a personal connection to the fight, expressing admiration for Mike Tyson and stating that as the first boxer to face Paul after the recent bout with Tyson, he wants to “take revenge for Mike Tyson.”
KSI`s Promoter Offers a Different Reason
This account differs slightly from the perspective offered by Mams Taylor, the promoter behind Misfits Boxing, the promotion associated with KSI. Taylor confirmed that there had been discussions and the fight with Chavez Jr was close to being finalized.
However, Taylor indicated that KSI is now prioritizing only “mega fights” against globally recognized names. He clarified that this is not a sign of disrespect towards Chavez Jr, who is considered a legend, but a strategic choice to generate maximum excitement among a broad audience, rather than primarily appealing to dedicated boxing fans familiar with Chavez Jr`s legacy.
