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Los Angeles Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. question each other's skills ahead of Anaheim bout
One of Jake Paul's nicknames is the 'Problem Child,' but that nickname could just as easily fit Julio César Chávez Jr. After becoming World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion of the world in 2011, Chávez defended his crown three times and came to be considered on the same level as his contemporary Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez. But a disappointing loss to Sergio Martínez in 2012, lack of discipline needed to train properly and make weight, as well as a crushing defeat to Álvarez in 2017, sent his career into a free fall. From 2019-21, he picked up three losses in four fights, including falling to former champion Daniel Jacobs and mixed martial arts veteran Anderson Silva. Now at 39, Chávez will face Youtuber turned boxer Jake Paul in a cruiserweight contest scheduled for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Chávez (54-6-1, 34 KOs) has fought 61 professional bouts since his debut in 2003 and could be the toughest test of Paul's (11-1, 7 KOs) career to date, although it all depends on the level of the Mexican's fitness for the matchup. During a press event held at The Avalon in Hollywood on Wednesday, Paul strongly criticized Chávez while mentioning the addiction problems Chávez has faced as well as his 'lack of mentality.' 'I'm going to embarrass him and run him down like he always does,' Paul said. 'I'm going to expose him. He will be the embarrassment of Mexico. There are two things you can't beat — me and your drug addiction.' Outside the ring, Chávez's personal life has not been free of problems. The Culiacan native was arrested in January of last year in Los Angeles and charged with illegal possession of weapons, specifically an assault rifle, which was found in his home. He eventually pleaded not guilty and committed to entering a rehabilitation program. On Wednesday, the legendary Julio César Chávez Sr. stood by his son's side to support him in the face of Paul's verbal attacks. For Chávez Sr., if his son continues to train the way he has seen him lately, the American doesn't stand a chance. Chávez Jr. will be looking to be the second opponent to beat Paul after Tommy Fury scored a win in 2023. 'He's an overrated fighter. He hasn't fought anybody. He only fights old guys,' said Chávez Jr., who added he will arrive in Anaheim as the best version of himself and that the first five rounds will be difficult, but that he will tip the scales in his favor from the seventh round on. Chávez Sr., as on many occasions, has mentioned that his son is training like never before. 'There is no way Jake Paul can beat my son, the way he is training,' Chávez Sr. said. Paul responded he could beat Chávez Jr. and his legendary father, criticizing Chávez Jr.'s lack of discipline. 'It's not a champion's mentality to only train hard when you have a big fight. I train hard every time I have a fight, no matter who I'm facing. That teaches you the type of person he is,' Paul said. After the news conference, Chávez Jr. noted that he expected Paul to pick on his dad, but understood it was a mental tactic by his opponent. 'In boxing you learn step by step, and he is missing several,' Chávez Jr. said. Paul, a 28-year-old from Cleveland, will return to the ring since he last fought in November, when he outpointed heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in an eight-round bout in Arlington, Texas. The event disappointed many due to a lack of competitiveness from 58-year-old 'Iron Mike.' During this fight, Paul will likely have much of the crowd against him by choosing to fight a Mexican star in Southern California, although he believes there are many who will support him. 'Mexicans love me. People love me more than they love him. Mexico doesn't even love him. I'm going to show him who the real Mexican warrior is,' Paul said. The showdown between Paul and Chávez Jr. comes after a proposed showdown between the Youtuber and Álvarez fell apart earlier this year. Paul could be close to a fight against Álvarez, although before that he could consider a matchup against Mexico's Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramírez, who will be defending his cruiserweight crown against Cuban Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) on the Anaheim card. 'He has done a good job. Maybe someday we can fight for titles. Now I'm the champion,' Ramírez, 33, said about facing Paul. Ramírez (47-1, 30 KOs) said he would prefer to unify the Boxing Assn. title against Jai Opetaia, the International Boxing Federation champion. But before that, he will have to dispatch Dorticos, who is known for his powerful punch. 'Los Angeles is going to shake. The knockout doctor is back,' said Dorticos, 39. The card is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions, and will air on pay-per-view via DAZN. This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jake Paul in Talks with Oleksandr Usyk for 2026 MMA Fight
As the dust settles on the media frenzy surrounding his blockbuster bout with Mike Tyson, Jake Paul isn't slowing down. With headlines, late-night commentary, and social media engagement still echoing from that high-profile event, Paul has already lined up his next opponent—and he's chosen someone with a legendary bloodline. The YouTube-star-turned-fighter is set to take on Julio César Chávez Jr., son of the Mexican boxing icon, on June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. But while the boxing match is booked, murmurs of a future MMA move are beginning to take shape behind the scenes. Paul made the official announcement at a recent press conference, unveiling plans to face Chávez Jr. in what promises to be another widely discussed matchup. But perhaps even more intriguing was what followed. During the event—captured by Fight Hype—the conversation shifted toward MMA, and Paul didn't hold back. Asked if the cage still calls to him, Paul responded, 'Yes, I want to be like Holly Holm,' referencing the former UFC champion who recently signed with Paul's MVP Promotions. 'I'm super, super interested in testing my skills in the cage. I think it would be a big spectacle. Nate Diaz is still ducking. We'll find the right opponent.' Adding fuel to the MMA speculation, Paul's business partner Nakisa Bidarian revealed that they've been in discussions with Oleksandr Usyk's camp—Usyk being the current undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing—about a potential MMA bout. Getty Images 'Usyk has called Jake out multiple times in MMA. They've been in touch with us behind the scenes. That's a fight they want in 2026,' said Bidarian, confirming that the PFL is absolutely in the conversation. Jake PaulGetty Images From boxing icons to MMA legends, the Jake Paul train isn't slowing down. Whether it's Nate Diaz, Oleksandr Usyk, or a new name entirely, Paul's future remains packed with attention-grabbing possibilities—and the combat sports world will be watching closely. Related: 'He's a Hypocrite' – Ilia Topuria Sends Scathing Message to UFC Champion Related: UFC Veteran Released After Skull-Crushing KO
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
$1B renovations planned for Honda Center in Anaheim
The Honda Center in Anaheim is getting a billion-dollar facelift. OC Sports & Entertainment, the affiliate responsible for operating the city-owned arena, announced Tuesday the launch of Honda Center Encore, a $1 billion privately funded transformation aimed at reimagining nearly every aspect of the venue. The Samueli Family, longtime owners of the Anaheim Ducks, will spearhead the project. The renovations launched last fall and are planned to run through the end of 2027. The Honda Center will remain open throughout the renovation process. 'This is more than just an investment in a venue — it's an investment in Anaheim and the future of Orange County as a global destination for live entertainment,' Bill Foltz, chief executive officer of OC Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement. 'Honda Center Encore reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class experience for every guest, every visit — all made possible through the vision and generosity of the Samueli Family.' Key features of the transformation include: A new five-story South Entrance with a grand arrival experience and future plans for a high-impact digital display to host outdoor viewing parties and special community moments. New escalators to improve vertical circulation and enhance guest flow throughout the arena. A complete refresh of all food and beverage spaces, including ten brand-new concepts and the introduction of innovative self-service technology to elevate speed and convenience for guests throughout the arena. A new all-inclusive club on the club-level, offering an upscale, hospitality-focused experience for premium guests, with curated food and beverage offerings and unmatched views of the action. The debut of new opera box suites on the main concourse and a full renovation of all 68 existing luxury suites to deliver an elevated, modernized premium experience. Three new parking garages totaling over 6,000 stalls. Four new entry plazas, each with a distinct social aesthetic. Parking will increase by nearly 60% with the project, including two new general parking garages set to open in October 2025. These will implement an all-inclusive parking model — a first for a U.S. arena — eliminating the need for passes and offering a streamlined entry process. Honda Center Encore is part of a broader vision tied to OCVIBE, a $4 billion mixed-use district being developed around the arena. The 100-acre project is designed to establish Orange County as a cultural and entertainment hub with dining, nightlife, park space, and immersive experiences. Since opening in 1993, Honda Center has hosted over 4,500 events and welcomed over 45 million guests. The arena is also home to the Anaheim Ducks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Shaikin: Ducks unveil $1-billion arena renovation, stress-free parking. But can either OC team win?
For pro sports in Orange County, these are the worst of times. The Angels last appeared in the playoffs 11 years ago, the Ducks seven years ago. The Ducks, embracing a full rebuild, scored more points last season than they had in six years. They still posted a losing record and fired their coach. The Angels, declining a full rebuild or an all-in push, are back in last place. Advertisement Today, we bring good news to the loyal and long-suffering sports fans of Orange County. In announcing a $1-billion renovation of Honda Center, the Ducks are unveiling what might be the most fan-friendly policy ever adopted in our car-centric local culture: easy parking. No more cars inching forward to the parking attendant. No more shuffling through your wallet for cash or a credit card. No more scrolling through your phone to find that bar code, or scrambling through your glove compartment to find that parking pass. Read more: Shaikin: The Ducks are O.C.'s model sports franchise. Could their owner save the Angels? Just drive right in and enjoy the show. Advertisement 'We think this will get people in 20 to 30 minutes faster,' said Bill Foltz, chief executive officer of OC Sports and Entertainment. 'Parking is the first thing you see when you are coming to a concert or a sporting event, and getting out of there is the last thing you remember. So we are working really hard to make sure both of those things are great experiences.' The renovations revealed Tuesday include a five-story grand entrance and community gathering space; new and expanded concession areas to shorten lines; new and renovated suites and luxury seats; and three new parking garages. This is a welcome boost to LA28. The Honda Center will be hosting Olympic volleyball, and the owners of the Ducks are throwing in a billion-dollar venue facelift. Advertisement 'If you're going to spend this kind of money,' Foltz said, 'why not do it when the world is coming here?' Truth be told, Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli would have spent the money anyway. They previously committed $4 billion to the OC Vibe development now under construction around the Honda Center, with a performance hall, restaurants, a food hall and park scheduled to open next year, with homes, hotels and offices and additional entertainment venues to follow. It is all of that — the district around the arena — that shaped the parking policy. Whether you stop by to watch the Ducks, see a concert, grab dinner or simply meet friends for a stroll, the policy is the same. 'What we're trying to do is eliminate that transaction that everybody has when you're pulling into a parking lot,' Foltz said. 'You are just going to pull in.' Advertisement That doesn't mean you won't pay a fee to access the general parking lots for a game or a concert, but the fee will be part of what Foltz called an 'all-inclusive' ticket price. The Ducks say this parking model is 'the first of its kind at a U.S. arena.' The arena, we should note here, is owned by the city of Anaheim. 'The Ducks are an unparalleled partner with Anaheim,' Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said. 'They are great stewards of the Honda Center, and OC Vibe will bring a new energy to the surrounding area. 'What makes them so special is their devotion to the fan experience, ensuring their followers feel valued.' Advertisement The owners of the Ducks are picking up the cost of revamping the arena. 'It's all the Samueli family that's behind this,' Foltz said. 'We fund all of it. We've never gotten money from the city for any renovations here.' That stands in stark contrast to the current stalemate between the city and the Angels over the future of Angel Stadium. The city has backed away from two deals in which Angels owner Arte Moreno would have paid to renovate Angel Stadium and develop the land around Angel Stadium, in much the same way the Ducks are doing around the Honda Center. 'I hope to replicate this at Angel Stadium,' Aitken said, 'but realize the teams are just in different places.' Advertisement The most recent deal collapsed in 2022, after the disclosure of an FBI corruption investigation into former mayor Harry Sidhu, who was sentenced in March to two months in federal prison. Moreno so far has shown little interest in a third round of negotiations, despite an invitation this month from Aitken. 'I'm not going to put $200 [million] or $300 million into a stadium that a city owns without any of their participation,' Moreno told the team website in February. Foltz said the Ducks and Angels communicate regularly and said he briefed Angels president John Carpino on the Ducks' renovation plans. Foltz said he has heard nothing to indicate the Angels are making similar plans. Advertisement 'I don't know of anything that's happening over there,' Foltz said. Read more: Shaikin: What's the future for aging Angel Stadium? It feels like an increasingly uncertain one The Ducks' parking innovations are cool, and a vibrant entertainment village around the arena is great, but what would be really great is for one of the Orange County teams to make a postseason appearance sometime this decade. As Foltz talked up the brand new, grand new plaza outside Honda Center, he sounded wistful. Playoff watch parties, after all, require a playoff team. 'I'm jealously watching the Kings and Edmonton play,' he said, 'or seeing Toronto, where they have just as many fans outside as they do inside. We're building for that future.' Bring it on. Soon, please. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul to fight ex-world champion Chavez Jr in June
Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will face former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in California on Saturday, 28 June. American Paul, 28, is a divisive figure in the sport who beat a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a much-hyped but drab contest in November. Chavez Jr - the 39-year-old son of legendary former three-division world boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez - has competed just once since 2021. "Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after a single amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion," Paul said. Paul, who found fame by posting prank videos on YouTube, has amassed a record of 11 wins, mostly against ex-UFC fighters. His only loss is to Briton Tommy Fury in 2023. The self-proclaimed 'Problem Child' says he will "knock out" Chavez Jr at the Honda Center in Anaheim. 'What rooster?' - How a YouTuber became a stadium sports star Sublime to stupidity - '120 million' witness two sides of boxing Scotney signs with Paul's MVP & will fight on Taylor-Serrano card Mexican Chavez Jr has won 53 of his 61 fights and held the WBC middleweight title between 2011 and 2012. In 2017, he went the distance with pound-for-pound star Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez but he lost a boxing bout to former UFC champion Anderson Silva in 2021. In July, Chavez Jr was booed by fans after he called out Paul following a laboured points win over ex-MMA fighter Uriah Hall. "I will show what I can do now that everything is in the right place in my life - mentally and physically," said Chavez Jr. "I feel rejuvenated and 10 years younger." The cruiserweight bout will be over 10, three-minute rounds and the boxers will wear standard 10oz gloves. Paul wore bigger gloves and contested shorter rounds against Tyson, given the former world champion's age. Boxing schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
