Manny Pacquiao delivers brutal Jake Paul verdict ahead of boxing legend's return
Paul has received a fair bit of stick as he prepares to make his return to the ring later this month against former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao doubts that a win for Jake Paul against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will "legitimise" the American as a boxer.
Paul and Chavez Jr will go head-to-head in Anaheim on June 28. The 'Problem Child' comes into the showdown off the back of a dominant win over former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson back in November. Chavez Jr claimed a win over Uriah Hall in his last outing last July.
Since making his professional debut back in 2020, Paul has taken the sport of boxing by storm. With a professional record of 11-1, the 28-year-old has defeated the likes of Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz. His only loss in the ring came against rival Tommy Fury two years ago.
The social media star-turned-boxer has been criticised over the years for largely taking on former MMA fighters. That said, he does face a level-up in opposition against Chavez Jr - who is a former middleweight champion. A win over the Mexican could earn Paul a showdown with some top names in the near future.
Many big stars within the sport of boxing have weighed in and offered their verdict on the outcome of the upcoming fight. One man who has shared his thoughts is Pacquiao - who does not believe a win for Paul will do wonders for his career as he looks to climb up the ranks. When asked whether a win over Chavez Jr will "legitimise" Paul as boxer, Pacquiao told Fight Hub TV: "It's hard to comment on that fight. But it is up to the fans as to how they analyse it and judge it," before adding: "I do not think so."
Despite Pacquiao's concerns, Shawn Porter is tipping Paul to get the job done on fight night after being left amused by Chavez Jr in training. 'I got Jake Paul by KO," he said. 'He doesn't have a gas tank. That means you're not working and training out of the gym. I saw the in gym stuff and you scratch your head like 'that was it for the day?'
'One day he came into the gym he shadow boxed, I don't know if he made it a round on the bag, then he packed up and left … I've seen some short stuff. I don't want to disrespect but it will make you scratch your head. The other fighters were laughing like 'that was it? Why did he show up?''
After the fight was announced, Paul was quick to take to social media and vowed to knock Chavez Jr out. "Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after one amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion," said Paul.
"I just defeated the baddest man on the planet and broke multiple records, and now I'm going against a former world champion with 54 wins who Canelo could barely beat. Chávez Jr. is Mexican, but I, El Gallo De Dorado, mexi-CAN knock him tf out. On Saturday, June 28, live on DAZN pay-per-view, I will defeat Julio and make Chávez Sr. proud in ways Jr. never has. Viva La Puerto Rico."
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