Jake Paul announces next boxing fight - against third-choice opponent

will take on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a cruiserweight showdown this summer as the YouTuber-turned-boxer confirmed his ring return.

Former world champion Chavez Jr - who holds a professional record of 54-6-1 - defeated former UFC middleweight contender Uriah Hall in his last outing. The Mexican fighter has also stepped in the ring with the likes of Andy Lee, Canelo Alvarez, Daniel Jacobs and former UFC champion, Anderson Silva and will take on Paul in Anaheim on June 28.

"Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after one amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion," said Paul. "I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I’m going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat. Chávez Jr. is Mexican, but I, El Gallo De Dorado, mexi-CAN knock him tf out. On Saturday, June 28, live on DAZN pay-per-view, I will defeat Julio and make Chávez Sr. proud in ways Jr. never has. Viva La Puerto Rico."

Paul will be fighting for the first time since he defeated legend in Texas last November. His announcement comes not long after both he and super-middleweight king were in talks to fight in before talks collapsed after the four-weight world champion signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season . Alvarez will now fight William Scull in Saudi Arabia in May, before clashing with in Las Vegas in September.

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Paul was also close to an agreement with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis over an exhibition bout. However, those plans were scuppered when Lamont Roach held 'Tank' to a draw. "It was highly talked about and in negotiations and almost ready to happen," added Paul. "But he now has to do his rematch with Lamont Roach and get the win, then we can run it back. But we were scheduled to fight for sure."

With Paul struggling to find an opponent, the American also called out former heavyweight world champion . 'The Problem Child' vowed to knock out Joshua during an epic rant on his podcast where he claimed the two-time heavyweight champion 'doesn't have a chin'. Soon after, the pair shared a brief phone call and the American disclosed what was said.

"We're going to plan that for 2026. I talked to Anthony on the phone," Paul told the media at the launch press conference for Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano's trilogy bout. "He called me up and said, 'I saw you call me out, let's run it. Let's make it happen.' It's funny, I have said this before, but boxers don't like boxing, they don't want to sign the contract. "But at the end of the day, I'm just going to keep on training. We do have an announcement next week, but I'm not going to leak anything because we have had these fights pulled at the one-yard line with Canelo and Gervonta [Davis]. So I'm just not going to jinx it."

'The Problem Child' has won all but one of his fights since making his professional debut five years ago. After taking on AnEsonGib and Nate Robinson, the 28-year-old swiftly moved onto well-established MMA fighters. Following a devastating knockout victory over Ben Askren, Paul then had two epic fights with former welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley.

After coming away from the two clashes unscathed, he then toppled MMA legend Anderson Silva. His toughest test came in February 2023 when the American went toe-to-toe with professional boxer . Despite scoring a knockdown in the fight, Paul would go on to suffer the first loss of his career - .

Six months later, the star was back in the ring as he took on Nate Diaz. Following a convincing decision victory in Texas, Paul had one more fight in him in 2023 as he knocked out Andre August in just over two minutes. The 28-year-old began 2024 in some style after stopping Ryan Bourland in the first round.

Paul was then slated to fight former heavyweight champion Tyson last July, but the boxing veteran was forced to pull out of the clash after . Instead, the young and hungry American took on Mike Perry. Following a , 'The Problem Child' finally got his wish as he faced 'Iron Mike' in November. Despite failing to get a knockout, Paul would go on to .