Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, is reportedly considering a new opponent for his upcoming fight if Mike Tyson is unable to participate on November 15. As he gears up for his bout with bare-knuckle star Mike Perry, Paul is keeping an eye out for potential replacements.
According to World Boxing News (WBN), Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is high on Paul's list of possible substitutes. Chavez Jr. is the son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, who held multiple world titles in three weight divisions and was named the best pound-for-pound boxer from 1990 to 1993.
Chavez Sr. also holds the record for the most successful defences of world titles at 27 and had an impressive 87-fight winning streak, which ended in 1993 when he drew with Pernell Whitaker.
In 1994, Chavez Sr. suffered his first defeat, losing to Frankie Randall via split decision after being knocked down for the first time in his career. By the time he retired in 2005, Chavez Sr. had amassed 107 wins, 86 by knockout, six losses and two draws in 115 total fights.
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Given Chavez Sr. 's illustrious career, WBN suggests that Paul is considering Chavez Jr. not only because of his famous name but also because he was the WBC middleweight champion from 2011 to 2012. Moreover, a fight against Chavez Jr. could attract more fans than anticipated, as evidenced by his bout with Canelo Alvarez.
In 2017, when Chavez Jr. took on Alvarez, a whopping crowd of 20,510 filled the T-Mobile Arena to witness Chavez Jr.'s defeat by unanimous decision. Post-fight, it was revealed that the bout had garnered approximately 1.2 million buys, raking in around $80 million.
Given Chavez Jr.'s appeal and his track record, it's logical for Paul to consider the ex-champion as his potential adversary should Tyson withdraw. However, Paul's immediate focus remains on Perry, whom he is set to face on July 20 at Florida's Amalie Arena, a change from the original Texas venue.
On the other hand, Perry has already started contemplating his next opponent post-Paul. During a stint on Sean O'Malley's YouTube Channel, the 32 year old expressed his desire to take on a current MMA sensation. "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 declared. "I wanna show, hey, look like I got skills with the hands department."
Paul also admitted that his bout against Perry carries "risks," but he prefers to embrace those and gain crucial ring experience rather than playing 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 asserted.
