Jake Paul cruised to a unanimous decision against two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on Friday night, albeit one of faded abilities. Now, after being criticized for not facing established boxers in the past, the polarising social media sensation could be set to face a second former world champion in as many fights – with a title being on the line this time around.
Paul’s clash with Tyson was controversial yet captivating, as millions of viewers tuned in to witness the YouTuber-turned-boxer collide with the fan-favourite veteran, regardless of the 31-year age gap between the American duo.
After a tense build-up, sceptics were pleased to see Tyson reach the final bell unharmed but those anticipating a fire fight were left underwhelmed, as ‘Iron Mike’ scored just 18 punches and showed little signs that he could be capable of halting his younger dance-partner.
11/15 Netflix- Paul W 10 Tyson. Paul cruised to victory. Props to Tyson for going the distance. pic.twitter.com/nGfhpLZGkl
— CompuBox (@CompuBox) November 16, 2024
During the aftermath, Paul has admitted that he did not wish to knock out a 58-year-old legend in Tyson whilst explaining why he refused to put his foot down whilst the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ appeared vulnerable during the latter stages of the bout.
Nevertheless, Paul and Tyson earned a reported $60 million combined and the event, and more importantly it’s figures, have captured the attention of more established and active boxers around the globe.
One of these fighters with their ears now pricked up is former WBC middleweight champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., son of the iconic Mexican five-division world champion of the same name.
Chavez Jr. appeared on Paul’s undercard on July 20th, defeating UFC star Uriah Hall in a six-round contest to end a two-and-a-half year run of inactivity.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Uriah Hall exchanging body shots! pic.twitter.com/sQiCA2CRuN
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) July 21, 2024
The pair have been linked to a clash in the past and upon witnessing Paul’s comfortable win against Tyson, the 38-year-old took to social media to propose that he and ‘The Problem Child’ go toe-to-toe, as per World Boxing News.
“@jakepaul You say you can fight anyone you wants!! Which is probably true for the money!! But he wont fight someone who knows how to fight. It’s time, Jake.”
Meanwhile, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza added further fuel to the fire when he revealed that he would be willing to sanction Paul-Chavez Jr. as a ‘championship’ fight, an idea he flirted with back in July.
I will insist: love to see @jakepaul v Chávez jr for a championship
— Gilberto J Mendoza (@GilberticoWBA) November 16, 2024
“I will insist. [I would] love to see Jake Paul vs [Julio Cesar] Chavez Jr for a championship,”
It’s extremely unlikely that any such proposal would be for a full world title, but Paul could fight for and possibly win his first official boxing belt if he and Chavez battled for a WBA International title, assumably in the indiscriminate bridgerweight division.
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