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There might not be a more controversial figure in the world of boxing than Jake Paul. The YouTuber-turned-boxer was a trendsetter, showcasing that celebrity boxing could turn into a multi-million dollar venture. Along the way, he has certainly ruffled feathers, particularly because he wants to be taken seriously by the industry, despite cherry-picking lesser opponents.
It felt like Paul finally turned a corner when he faced Tommy Fury, but he fell back to old ways quickly. Then came the Mike Tyson disaster, where the 58-year-old couldn't do anything in the ring, while Paul "went easy" on him. It seemed like Paul was back to wanting to be taken seriously following that event, but his next choice of opponent left a lot to be desired. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the son of legendary Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, will fight Paul in June. Fans don't like the choice, and it sounds like even Paul himself didn't think it was the right one.
Jake Paul never wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but ended up caving
Last December, during a Most Valuable Promotions event in Orlando, Paul discarded Chavez Jr. as an opponent in a condescending way. His comments, in hindsight, make him out to be a hypocrite given he is now getting ready to fight that same person and is treating him like a serious opponent.
I want someone tougher [than Chavez Jr.] and I want a real belt, not just something that gets put up for entertainment value. It's great and all, but, honestly, he's easy work and I want someone tougher to shut people up.
After calling out Canelo Alvarez several times for a fight that never actually seemed like a real possibility, Paul ended up caving and settling on Chavez Jr. about five months after his initial comments about the Mexican former professional boxer.
In reality, Paul's comments weren't totally dishonest. He's aware that the level of his opponents, aside from Fury, has been laughable to many fans. But it's clear that Paul isn't willing to take any big risks.
Chavez Jr. has fought once in the past three and a half years, with his only fight coming in a six-round matchup versus Uriah Hall, known more for his UFC career. The Mexican's struggles with alcohol and drugs have been more notable than his actual boxing career.