Paul’s Early Jab Work Left Chávez Jr.’s Late Rally Too Much
Jake Paul defeated Julio César Chávez Jr. by unanimous decision on June 28, 2025, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The ten-round cruiserweight contest ended with scores of 99–91, 98–92 and 97–93 for Paul.
The jab established a clear opening pattern
Paul worked from long range, repeatedly touching Chávez with his jab before following with right hands to the body and head. Chávez offered limited offense during the opening rounds and struggled to interrupt that rhythm.
As the fight progressed, Paul continued returning to the same basic structure. Jabs created opportunities for body shots, combinations and occasional uppercuts when Chávez tried to close the distance.
Chávez’s strongest exchanges came after the lead had grown
The Mexican began finding more combinations through the middle rounds and connected when he could bring Paul toward the ropes. Those moments did not prevent Paul from resuming his distance attack.
Chávez increased his pressure in the ninth and tenth as Paul slowed. He landed hooks, right hands and body shots, but the late surge could not remove the advantage established over the earlier rounds.
Every official card favored Paul at the finish
The judges agreed on the winner while differing on the margin. Paul improved to 12–1 after completing another full-distance assignment in the main event.
The WBA’s subsequent June ratings report recorded the unanimous decision and placed Paul at number fourteen in its cruiserweight rankings. That recognition followed a victory built primarily on early activity and distance management rather than a stoppage over his experienced opponent.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: Anaheim date, round-by-round exchanges and official scores
- WBA: recorded decision and entry into the cruiserweight ratings
