Jake Paul could have another fighter in mind, if Mike Tyson is unable to fight on November 15. As Paul prepares for his upcoming fight with bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, the Youtuber-turned-boxer is keeping his eyes open for any potential boxer to take Tyson’s place.
Among those Paul is heavily considering to replace Tyson is Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., according to World Boxing News (WBN). Chavez is the son of Julio Cesar Chavez, a multiple-time world champion in three weight divisions and was named the best pound-for-pound boxer for three years, from 1990 to 1993.
The elder Chavez also holds the record for the most successful defenses of world titles at 27. Incredibly, the boxing legend also had an 87-fight win streak, which was snapped in 1993 when he had a draw with Pernell Whitaker in 1993.
Then in 1994, Chavez Sr. experienced his first loss, losing to Frankie Randall via split decision after being knocked down for the first time in his career. By the time he retired for good in 2005, Chavez Sr. had 107 wins, 86 by knockout, six losses and two draws in 115 total fights.
Considering Chavez Sr.’s pedigree, WBN reports that Paul is considering Chavez Jr. because of his name and also the fact that he was the WBC middleweight champion from 2011 to 2012. What’s more, fighting Chavez Jr. could bring in more fans than expected, if his fight against Canelo Alvarez is any indication.
When the younger Chavez fought Alvarez in 2017, a crowd of 20,510 packed into T-Mobile Arena to watch Chavez Jr. lose by unanimous decision. It was then confirmed after the fight that the fight had approximately 1.2 million buys, generating around $80 million.
With Chavez Jr.’s pull and his history, it makes sense for Paul to consider the former champion as his opponent if Tyson pulls out. That said, Paul will have to focus his attention on Perry, who he will be facing on July 20 at Amalie Arena in Florida, instead of Texas, where the original bout was to take place.
Meanwhile, Perry already is eyeing who his next opponent is after taking on Paul. During an appearance on Sean O’Malley’s YouTube Channel, the 32-year-old explained he already has his mind set on fighting a current MMA star.
“I want to throw hands with Alex Pereira. Because who the […] else is there for me to throw hands with, bro? He’s just clocking everybody left and right,” he said. “I wanna show, hey, look like I got skills with the hands department.”
Paul also acknowledged his fight against Perry comes with “risks” but he would rather deal with those and gain important knowledge about fighting in the ring than play it safe. “But getting that experience comes with risk. Those who know me know I’m a risk taker and while ‘Platinum’ Perry might try to end me, I’m Titanium Jake Paul and I fear no man,” Paul said.
“I’m going to get the W and give everyone a preview of what I’m bringing to the ring against Mike Tyson. “Tune in on DAZN PPV as I return to Tampa and send ‘Platinum’ Perry the Platypus back to bare knuckle for good.”
That said, Paul does realize that his fight with Tyson might not happen, regardless of how much the 27-year-old wants it to happen. “He’s saying he’s fine [despite the problem], he’s saying he’s ready, and all of these things. We’re not Mike Tyson’s dad. We’re not his boss. If Mike Tyson wants the fight, it would be my honor, and I’m down to do it,” Paul told The New York Post.
“He’s ready to go; he just needed a couple of weeks, so he’s back to training. We’re all just praying and hoping that everything is good and that he stays healthy. That’s first and foremost. He’s Mike Tyson at the end of the day. He has lethal knockout power and is very, very experienced. I think it is going to be a brawl regardless.”
