Julio Cesar Chavez Jr almost retired in shame after failing to knock out a journeyman opponent in 2008.
The best days of Chavez Jr, son of former three-division world champion Julio Cesar Chavez, are firmly behind him. But while Chavez Jr was urged to retire by his father following a shock defeat to MMA legend Anderson Silva, he continues to lace up the gloves.
After a lackluster decision victory over another MMA veteran in Uriah Hall last time out, Chavez Jr will next face Jake Paul, marking the latest opponent in the YouTube star’s polarizing boxing journey. The Mexican is looking to avoid the same fate that has befallen the likes of Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and Mike Tyson.
A defeat to Paul would certainly be among the more embarrassing results on Chavez Jr’s record. But even in victory during his heyday, the 39-year-old did not always exit the ring covered in glory.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr survived major scare against Matt Vanda in 2008
Chavez Jr defeated Sebastian Zbik to become WBC middleweight champion in 2011. It’s safe to say that his journey to the gold was far from controversy-free, though.
Most notably, the Mexican briefly looked at retirement after a poor performance against Matt Vanda in 2008. The pair headlined at the Palenque ExpoGan in Hermosillo, Mexico, where Chavez Jr was expected to put on a show for his compatriots against a journeyman opponent who had lost five of his previous nine fights.
But ‘La Leyenda Continua’ was ultimately lucky to escape with his undefeated record intact, after failing to finish his American opponent in 10 rounds. In fact, even a split decision victory was fortunate.
Many were furious at the scorecards, especially that of a Mexican judge who awarded Chavez Jr all 10 rounds. The crowd let their disdain be known, launching ice and beer into the ring after the result was read out.
The performance, which came on his father’s birthday, was so embarrassing that Chavez Jr even considered retirement. That was short-lived, however, and the then-future champion returned and dominated Vanda in a rematch.
Jake Paul plans to embarrass Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on June 28
Paul will look to add another blemish to the record of Chavez Jr come fight night in Anaheim this month.
The pair will headline at the Honda Center on June 28, with their 10-round cruiserweight bout topping a lineup that also features Gilberto Ramirez’s title defense against Yuniel Dorticos, as well as a return to the ring for ex-UFC champion Holly Holm.
‘The Problem Child’ most recently competed in a controversial Netflix fight against Tyson. The Cleveland native was widely criticized for facing ‘Iron Mike’, who entered the ring aged 58 and having not fought professionally in almost two decades.
And those who have long called for Paul to face younger boxers closer to their best haven’t gotten their wish this year, with Chavez Jr years past his prime.
Nevertheless, while that will provide ammo for Paul’s detractors should he emerge victorious, Chavez Jr will look to further erase the memory of his loss to Silva in 2021 by winning a third straight fight.