Featured Image Credit: Tom Horak / Contributor via Getty
Anyone eagerly anticipating Jake Paul's next blockbuster fight might finally have their wish granted, as reports suggest he's set to step into the ring with a former world champion boxer this summer.
While he might not necessarily have the respect of the wider boxing community, there's no denying that former social media star Jake Paul has certainly become one of the sport's biggest draws when it comes to pure numbers.
Over 60 million households tuned in to watch Paul's fight with boxing icon Mike Tyson on Netflix last November, and demand was so high that the stream reportedly 'broke' several times.
That blockbuster fight with Tyson, where Paul emerged victorious through unanimous decision, was indeed the last time he stepped in the ring - and despite claims that it would be his last, rumors indicate that he's ready to return this summer.
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Many have been wondering who Jake Paul's next opponent will be, as there's only so many influencers, amateurs, or retirees left for him to work his way through. There were even suggestions that $70 million might be enough to convince Iron Mike to put the gloves on for a rematch, but Paul might just have surprised us all by facing off against a former world champion.
As per the Daily Mail, Jake Paul is now 'set to face' former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., a famous name in the boxing world - albeit mostly because of his father.
Chávez, being both 'only' 39 and an actual professional boxer makes this somewhat of a bold choice for Paul to take on, and an initial glance at his record might make you think this could be the influencer's toughest fight yet.
As of June 2012, Chávez held a fantastic 46-0-1 record and was in the process of a year-long middleweight title reign, but things haven't exactly gone to plan since then.
He has not only fought just 14 times in the 13 years since that record, but he has lost six of those fights - including one to former UFC fighter Anderson Silva, giving hope that Paul might be able to emerge victorious once more.
This has very much been echoed by the online boxing community, who outline this as a fantastic choice by Paul's team in a bid to further legitimize his fighting chops.
"He was a decent boxer back in the day with an iron chin," writes one r/boxing user regarding Chávez Jr., adding that he's "a shell of his former self now though."
"I hate to say it, but Jake will probably dominate Chávez Jr.," outlined another commenter. "The years of inactivity, the big size difference, and his lack of discipline will play against him. Call me crazy but if the betting odds are good I'm about to put money on Jake."
One even pointed out that the announcement of this might "means Chávez is really washed, like he was never elite but being considered for a Jake Paul fight means your career is done and dusted."
Chávez Jr. might perhaps see this as an opportunity to rejuvenate his career or give it a positive spin considering the last couple of years, but there's no doubt that there'll still be plenty of watchers who continue to claim that it's all scripted.
They even went as far to point out moments in Paul's fight with Tyson which supposedly prove that it's all rigged, so make sure to keep your eyes out for any other signs when he steps into the ring once again this summer against Chávez Jr.
