Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez has delivered a blunt ultimatum to his son ahead of a high-stakes bout against social media star Jake Paul scheduled for June 28 in Anaheim, California. After more than a year away from professional competition, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. faces what his father describes as potentially his second-to-last opportunity in boxing.
In a recent interview, the senior Chavez didn't mince words about his expectations: 'He has to go out and knock him out from the first round,' making it clear that anything less than total commitment would be unacceptable. The 39-year-old Chavez Jr. returns to the ring carrying not only his personal ambitions but also the weight of his family's storied legacy in boxing.
'He has been given many opportunities and this is the penultimate one, because the last one is when you are already leaving,' stated the former world champion, underscoring the critical nature of this comeback fight in the cruiserweight division.
The elder Chavez has previously expressed disdain for Paul's boxing career, once describing the American as 'useless' and questioning why audiences pay to watch him compete. Despite such criticism, Paul has managed to compile an impressive 11-1 professional record, establishing himself as a legitimate draw in the sport.
According to Statbet analysis, this cross-generational clash represents one of the most commercially significant boxing events of the summer, with viewership expected to cross multiple demographic boundaries.
The June 28 showdown represents more than just another bout - it's potentially a final chance for Chavez Jr. to reclaim relevance in a sport where his father remains an iconic figure. With the explicit instruction to seek a knockout from the opening bell, the pressure couldn't be higher for the Mexican fighter who now faces a career-defining moment against one of boxing's most controversial figures.
