JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR says defeat against Jake Paul would send him into retirement and hiding.
The former middleweight world champion – son to the great Chavez Sr – faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on Saturday in California.
And the second generation star claims defeat to the 11-1 American would be so shameful he would not be able to show his face in public.
Asked if he would quit boxing forever with a loss, Chavez Jr, 39, said: “Yes, man.” Before switching to his native Spanish.
Mexican comedian ‘Doknow’ was there for the round table, and translated as Chavez Jr continued: “He says if he loses this fight, he’s done. He’s done with boxing, he’ll never fight again.
“He’ll go into hiding for two years and then maybe come back because he’d be embarrassed to lose to a man like Jake Paul.”
Paul, 28, hit back with: “Well, start planning it out buddy.”
Chavez Jr won the WBC title in 2011 before making three defences of the green and gold belt his dad helped make so prestigious.
But in recent years, a lack of dedication has plagued Chavez Jr’s career while also struggling with substance abuse – though he is now a year sober.
Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
JAKE PAUL’S controversial boxing career rolls on this weekend with the Problem Child facing boxing royalty in Anaheim, California.
Paul will face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, a highly-decorated former world middleweight champion.
The Mexican, 39, has fought just once in the last four years but has the best boxing resume of any fighter to step into a ring with Paul – bar Mike Tyson, who was aged 58 at the time they fought.
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Meanwhile Paul is coming off a win over Mike Tyson – who controversially returned to the ring aged 58 in November.
His only loss came against Tommy Fury, 26, via split-decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023, winning five on the spin since.
And Paul says victory over Chavez Jr puts him in line to earn a WBC and WBA world ranking – paving the way for a shock title shot.
He said: “My goal is to become world champion and the WBA and WBC plan on ranking me depending on my performance. And once I’m ranked I can go for the title shot.
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“He’s a formidable opponent, former world champion, it’s a great, test ten rounds to get ready for what will ultimately be a world championship fight one day.”
Badou Jack, 41, currently holds the WBC title and has opened the door to fighting Paul in the past.
Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, 34, is the unified WBA and WBO champ and returns on Paul’s undercard to fight Yuniel Dorticos, 39.
And Jai Opetaia, 29, is Australia’s undefeated pound-for-pound star holding the IBF belt.
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