Jake Paul’s unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is greater than just one other notch on his belt, it’s a defining moment that cements his status as probably the most necessary figures in modern boxing. While critics are quick to dismiss Paul as a sideshow, a cherry-picker, or a disruptor turning the game right into a circus, the fact is that Jake Paul is a breath of fresh air for boxing, each inside and out of doors the ring. His impact is undeniable, and the game is best for it.
Paul’s Win Over Chavez Jr.: More Than Meets the Eye
Let’s start with the fight itself. Paul, now 12-1 with 7 knockouts, dominated Chavez Jr., a former WBC middleweight champion, over ten rounds in Anaheim. The judges scored it 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93, all in Paul’s favor. From the opening bell, Paul set the pace, using his jab and body shots to maintain Chavez Jr. on the back foot. Chavez, who had only fought once since 2021 and was clearly past his prime at 39, struggled to mount any meaningful offense until the later rounds. Even then, Paul absorbed the counters and closed the show with composure and control.
Was Chavez Jr. the fighter he once was? Absolutely not. But Paul did exactly what he was imagined to do against a faded former champion: he dominated. That’s greater than will be said for a lot of prospects who struggle once they step up, even against past-their-prime names. Paul’s performance was disciplined, strategic, and, most significantly, effective.
Jake Paul Is Great for Boxing
It’s easy to scoff at Paul’s resume. Yes, his opponents have often been older, smaller, or coming from other combat sports. But that criticism misses the forest for the trees. Boxing has all the time been about spectacle, personalities, and the power to attract a crowd. Jake Paul does all three higher than almost anyone in the game today.
Paul’s fights are events. Whether you like him or hate him, you’re watching. His bouts routinely generate massive PPV numbers and social media engagement that the majority world champions can only dream of. The sold-out crowd in Anaheim and the worldwide attention on his fight with Chavez Jr. are proof that Paul is a magnet for attention.
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The live gate was a record $1.57 million for @jakepaul at @HondaCenter tonight and Nakisa Bidarian at MVP told me he expects the @WBCBoxing to also rank Paul provided that each he and Ramirez beat their 39-year-old foes the identical way.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) June 29, 2025
This isn’t nearly numbers. Paul is bringing a brand new, younger audience to boxing, a demographic the game has struggled to capture for years. He’s made boxing relevant to the TikTok and YouTube generation, onboarding hundreds of thousands of latest fans who might never have watched a standard title fight.
It’s not nearly Paul’s own fights. His promotional company, Most Useful Promotions (MVP), is giving a platform to fighters who might otherwise be neglected. MVP has been instrumental in elevating women’s boxing, most notably by backing Amanda Serrano and helping produce the historic Serrano vs. Katie Taylor bout at Madison Square Garden. Fighters under the MVP banner are gaining exposure, higher pay, and opportunities that previously didn’t exist.
Just as a number of the fighters on this fight card like giving a platform to Holly Holm in her return to boxing, Floyd Schofield to proceed his rise to stardom, and Julian Rodriguez to make a reputation for himself.
MVP’s mission is obvious: construct the premier global boxing platform by fascinating the subsequent generation with digital storytelling and world-class events, all while putting fighters first. For a sport often criticized for exploitative promoters and stagnant matchmaking, this can be a radical and welcome shift.
Why the Hate?
Paul is polarizing. The boos that rained down in Anaheim, the web accusations of “circus” and “staged fights,” and the constant questioning of his legitimacy are all a part of the package. But Paul thrives on that energy. He’s unapologetic, brash, and bold, calling out everyone from Anthony Joshua to Canelo Alvarez. The criticism only fuels his drive and keeps him within the headlines, which, in turn, keeps boxing within the headlines.
Jake Paul isn’t only a disruptor, he’s a catalyst. He’s forcing boxing to evolve, to embrace recent audiences, and to treat fighters as stars, not only commodities. His business acumen, promotional savvy, and willingness to take risks are exactly what a stagnant sport needs.
Will he ever be universally respected as a pound-for-pound great? Possibly not. But when it comes to impact, relevance, and the power to bring excitement back to boxing, Jake Paul is already probably the most necessary figures of his era. And that’s something the game should rejoice, not scorn.