Jake Paul’s World Title Ambitions Boosted by Partnership with Oscar De La Hoya
In a significant development in the world of boxing, YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul has partnered with Hall of Fame promoter Oscar De La Hoya to further his aspirations of becoming a world champion. According to a report by Ring Magazine, Paul will face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a 10-round cruiserweight bout on June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, which will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.
Paul, who boasts a record of 11 wins and 1 loss with 7 knockouts, is looking to make a statement against Chavez Jr., who has a record of 54 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw with 34 knockouts. The event will also feature a unified cruiserweight title defense by Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez against Yuniel Dorticos. As reported by Ring Magazine, Ramirez has been publicly challenging Paul, setting the stage for a potential future matchup between the two.
Oscar De La Hoya, who is promoting the event alongside Paul’s MVP Promotions, believes that a win for Paul against Chavez Jr. could propel him towards a world title shot. "I wish I could say that we’re talking about Ramirez being next for Jake after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but no, there are no conversations at all," De La Hoya told DAZN. "I think Jake Paul is focused on Chavez because it’s a tough fight. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chavez is the favorite in the betting. I think, in my opinion, and in the world’s, that this is the first real test and the first real boxer he’s facing [Paul]."
As noted by Ring Magazine, DraftKings currently has Paul as the favorite with odds of -650, while Chavez Jr. is the underdog with +450. Paul comes off a unanimous decision win against 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November, for which he reportedly earned $40 million. Meanwhile, Chavez Jr. secured a unanimous decision win against former UFC fighter Uriah Hall four months prior.
De La Hoya praised Paul for his dedication to the sport, stating, "I congratulate Jake Paul for what he’s done from the beginning and how seriously he’s taken boxing. This guy is probably the hardest worker in boxing today. He’s had to prove himself from the bottom and climb step by step, and that’s exactly what he’s doing. Now he’s facing Chavez, who’s a real boxer. He’s been a world champion. Canelo Alvarez couldn’t knock him out."
As reported by Ring Magazine, a win for Paul against Chavez Jr. could be a significant step towards achieving his goal of becoming a world champion. "So imagine that. If Jake Paul knocks out Chavez, what are we talking about? It’s a huge step towards that world title he wants, and it’s not crazy. I feel like Jake Paul is authentic, and I don’t just say that because we’re working with him and have teamed up – no," De La Hoya added.
While Paul and De La Hoya have joined forces to promote the event, De La Hoya himself has no plans to face Paul in the ring. "No, there’s not enough money," he joked. According to Ring Magazine, this event has the potential to be a significant moment in Paul’s boxing career, and a win against Chavez Jr. could set him up for a future world title shot.
The boxing world will be watching closely as Paul takes on Chavez Jr. on June 28. A victory for Paul could see him move one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a world champion. As noted by Ring Magazine, with his partnership with De La Hoya and his upcoming fight against Chavez Jr., Paul is certainly on the radar of boxing fans and pundits alike.
