Julio Cesar Chavez Jr’s boxing career took a unique new downturn on Saturday night.
The former WBC middleweight champion ended his 30-month layoff to face former UFC fighter on the undercard of Jake Paul’s clash with bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry.
Infamously, the last time Chavez Jr. fought a UFC star, he suffered a humiliating decision defeat to faded legend Anderson Silva in June 2021.
The 38-year-old got the win over Hall, but he certainly didn’t redeem himself.
Chavez Jr. got off to a decent start but began to gas as the six-round boxing bout progressed and ultimately had to fend off a late onslaught from his opponent.
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The ringside judges scored the fight 58-56, 59-55, and 59-55 in his favour.
“He’s a strong dude but I got my distance,” Chavez Jr. said post-fight.
“The win is easy. It’s a good fight. Great athlete, great person, that’s it.
“He’s tough, he’s strong. He’s not a boxer.”
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The 62-fight veteran was subsequently asked who he wants to fight next, and his answer had the 17,000 fans at the AMALIE Arena in Florida loudly booing him.
Chavez Jr. added: “Jake Paul, why not?”
“I’m a better fighter than his opponents, that’s for sure.”
Fans clearly didn’t like the idea of him getting such a big fight after a lacklustre performance against Hall.
A win over a former boxing world champion would certainly look good on Paul’s record, but at this point that appears to be all Chavez Jr. has to offer him.
Only time will tell if the two men will ever face off in the ring.