Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., being sanctioned for a WBA championship, faced a backlash after President Gilberto Mendoza mentioned it.
The controversial fight, which World Boxing News has predicted previously would replace the doomed Mike Tyson event on Netflix, now has WBA approval. This scenario means Mendoza is willing to put a WBA title on the line after both won their respective bouts in Florida last weekend.
Despite Paul only facing three boxers during his career and losing his most challenging test against Tommy Fury, the WBA is willing to consider a belt for the Chavez main event. The YouTuber is currently 10-1, with every other victory on his resume against fellow influencers, basketball players, or MMA fighters.
Paul’s two boxing triumphs were first-round knockouts of Ryan Bourland, rated 285 in the world, plus Texan Andre August, ranked at 303. Both were nowhere near the top fifteen, which would require Paul to eventually ascend to a spot for a voluntary shot at any title. Mendoza didn’t clarify whether the ‘championship’ for Paul vs Chavez would be a full strap or an International or Intercontinental.
Whatever Mendoza’s intentions were, they caused immediate blowback.
“Big congratulations to Jake Paul and Most Valuable on the show but also on the new, fresh, and innovative perspective you offer to the sport of boxing,” said Mendoza. “I love what you do!”
Big congratulations to @jakepaul and @MostVpromotions on the show but also on the new fresh and innovative perspective you offer to the sport of boxing! Love what you do!
— Gilberto J Mendoza (@GilberticoWBA) July 21, 2024
I am not against a @jakepaul v. @jcchavezjr for a championship…
— Gilberto J Mendoza (@GilberticoWBA) July 21, 2024
He added, “I am not against a Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for a championship.”
Mendoza then praised Chavez for his comeback from rehabilitation after the former middleweight ruler recovered from substance abuse.
“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. deserves admiration and respect after overcoming many personal setbacks to make a boxing comeback. Always in your corner, champ!”
Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. backlash
The fact Mendoza would even consider Paul vs Chavez Jr. for any title without any victories worthy of the opportunity gave detractors the firepower to call the WBA boss out. Many saw the very notion of the fight getting strapped as a clear push for WBA sanctioning fees.
One said, “If this happens, you should be removed from boxing altogether.”
Another stated, “When a boxing organization lacks principle and respect for the sport, it’ll fall for money and hype! It’s a shame!”
A third added, “The first time I heard that the WBA would leave only one champion per category was in 2011. I stupidly believed them. I already learned my lesson.”
While several aired their opposition, one wondered whether Paul vs. Chavez Jr. would be approved for the currently vacant bridgerweight title. Ranked stars like Badou Jack and Evgeny Romanov would undoubtedly have something to say about that.
The mere notion of Paul or Chavez stepping inside the ring with either of those names would be carnage and put either in grave danger. A less prestigious version of the cruiserweight title would be far more likely, but it still would be an undeserved credit neither has earned inside the ropes.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
