Jake Paul has never been one to hold his tongue, and this week was no exception. The YouTuber-turned-boxer fired back at critics of his upcoming fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, taking a pointed jab at UFC star Paddy Pimblett in the process.
In a bold social media post, Paul dismissed the backlash surrounding his choice of opponent and reignited his feud with Pimblett, writing, “Don’t cry, Paddy. I’m doing what you won’t—fighting real boxers.”
Paul vs Chavez Jr: A “Real Test”
The announcement that Jake Paul would be facing former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has stirred both excitement and skepticism. Critics argue that Chavez Jr, despite his pedigree, has been inconsistent in recent years and question whether he’s the right test for Paul’s boxing credibility.
But Paul is having none of it.
“This is a guy who went 12 rounds with Canelo Alvarez,” Paul said in a recent press conference. “Say what you want, but Chavez Jr is a real fighter. He’s not a 40-year-old retired MMA guy. He’s a former world champion, and I’m stepping in there to show people what I’m really made of.”
Indeed, the fight represents a shift for Paul, who has often been criticized for facing opponents with limited boxing experience. His most high-profile bouts to date have been against former MMA fighters like Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
The Paddy Pimblett Beef
Paul’s comments about Pimblett didn’t come out of nowhere. The two have had a long-standing feud dating back to 2022, when Paul challenged the Liverpudlian UFC fighter to a sparring match. Pimblett initially accepted but negotiations quickly fell apart.
More recently, Pimblett dismissed Paul’s boxing efforts as “fake” and referred to him as a “clown show.” In response, Paul took to X (formerly Twitter) with a sarcastic retort:
“Don’t cry, Paddy. I’m out here taking real risks while you keep padding your UFC record. Come to the ring or keep watching from the couch.”
Paul also accused Pimblett of “ducking” any crossover boxing opportunities, stating, “He talks a big game but won’t sign the contract.”
Critics Still Not Convinced
Despite Paul’s defense, many fans and analysts remain skeptical of the Chavez Jr matchup. Chavez Jr has a checkered record in recent years, including a widely ridiculed loss to MMA legend Anderson Silva in 2021. Questions also remain about his discipline and training habits.
Boxing analyst Teddy Atlas weighed in on the matchup during a recent podcast episode, saying, “Jake Paul is smart. He knows how to pick names that look good on paper but are beatable in the ring. Chavez Jr used to be something, but these days? I don’t know.”
Even so, Atlas admitted the fight could still pose challenges. “Chavez is bigger, more experienced, and if he shows up in shape, Jake could be in for a real fight.”
What’s at Stake?
For Jake Paul, this fight is more than just another pay-per-view event—it’s a pivotal moment in his boxing journey. Beating a former world champion, even one past his prime, would go a long way toward silencing the critics and positioning Paul for bigger, more legitimate matchups in the sport.
Paul made that clear in his final remarks: “I’m not here to play games anymore. I’m here to box, and I’m going to keep climbing. The haters? Let them hate. Just don’t cry when I win.”
The fight between Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is scheduled for later this year, and regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
