Jake Paul sends boxing world into frenzy with Muhammad Ali comparison ahead of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. bout

With the countdown ticking toward his fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Jake Paul has once again inserted himself into the heart of boxing’s biggest conversations. In an interview that quickly ignited debate across the combat sports world, the 28-year-old influencer-turned-boxer declared himself the sport’s most transformative figure since Muhammad Ali.

The claim came just days before his bout on June 28 in Anaheim, adding fuel to an already buzzworthy fight week. Paul, known for pushing boundaries in and out of the ring, didn’t mince words when asked about his influence on the sport.

“I feel like I’m the only one doing it,” Paul told DAZN. “Everyone else is either gatekeeping or just claiming they’re doing something for boxing… But I’m the best thing to happen to boxing since Muhammad Ali. That’s not even up for debate.”

His case: Disruption and philanthropy

Paul pointed to a range of efforts outside the ring to support his claim—initiatives that include building boxing gyms, donating equipment to underserved communities, and helping elevate fighters like Amanda Serrano into multimillion-dollar paydays.

He also didn’t hold back on criticizing his opponent. “[Chávez Jr.] is an idiot,” Paul said. “He’s done nothing for the sport.”

Paul’s evolution in the ring

Since debuting as a pro in 2020, Paul has steadily escalated his profile—defeating retired MMA stars, selling out arenas, and facing Mike Tyson in a controversial exhibition match. But his bout with Chávez Jr., a former WBC champion, marks his first real test against an established, seasoned boxer.

While Paul’s comparison to Ali has drawn fierce backlash, his backers argue he’s redefined boxing’s entertainment model and brought in a new generation of fans. “No other fighter is building gyms, getting gloves into kids’ hands, throwing multiple events a year, donating their entire purse… I’ve done this in only 12 fights,” Paul added, according to Bloody Elbow.