American boxer and content creator Jake Paul said Thursday that he will knock out Mexican Julio César Chávez Jr., his opponent this Saturday, in the first round.
“I’m going to knock him out in the first round. It’s going to be a fast night, and I’m going to put on an outstanding performance. I have no pressure at all,” he explained at the press conference before the fight, which will take place Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Paul, an influencer who became famous for making YouTube videos, made his professional boxing debut in January 2020 and has a record of eleven wins, seven by knockout, and one loss in eleven fights.
His last fight was a victory last November against Mike Tyson, a boxing legend who came out of retirement and returned to the ring at the age of 58.
“I feel bad because I’m ending Chávez Jr.’s career. I want to apologize in advance to the fans. And for you, Chávez, I’ll support you when you retire. I’ll be there for you,” added Paul, who has been criticized by the specialized press and former boxers, who consider him not a professional boxer but merely a “showman” who undermines the sport’s credibility.
The 28-year-old Cleveland native didn’t rule out challenging a champion for a belt from one of the four boxing organizations if he defeats Chávez Jr., a former world middleweight champion.
“I’m focused on Saturday. I have a strong opponent in front of me, a former world champion. After the fight, I’ll think about whether it’s time to go for a title.”
Chávez Jr., son of Julio César Chávez, the greatest figure in Mexican boxing, tried not to fall for Paul’s provocations and said he was confident of defeating him.
“Whenever I get into the ring, it’s to win, and that’s why I’m confident in my victory. I’m not going to lose, nor am I going to retire,” added the 39-year-old boxer, who has come and gone in his career spanning more than two decades.
“Julito,” who has struggled with drug addiction, has a record of 54 wins, 34 by knockout, six losses, and one draw.
“I accepted this fight because Paul has a lot of media clout because of the stupid things he does on social media, and people are turning to him. I want to take advantage of this to win the fight and gain visibility,” concluded Chávez Jr.
