Paul's made a name for himself in the boxing world, showing that celebrity matches can rake in millions. But he's also faced criticism for cherry-picking opponents. Now, he's set to face Chavez Jr. in June, a fight that's not sitting well with many boxing enthusiasts.
The issue? Paul previously dismissed Chavez Jr. as an easy opponent. During a Most Valuable Promotions event in Orlando last December, Paul said:
"I want someone tougher [than Chavez Jr.] and I want a real belt, not just something that gets put up for entertainment value. It's great and all, but, honestly, he's easy work and I want someone tougher to shut people up."
Fast forward five months, and Paul's singing a different tune, treating Chavez Jr. as a serious challenge. This flip-flop hasn't gone unnoticed, with many labeling Paul as hypocritical and narcissistic.
Paul's recent fight history doesn't help his case. His bout with Tommy Fury was seen as a step in the right direction. But his recent match with 58-year-old Mike Tyson, where Paul went easy on the aging legend, was widely panned as a disaster.
Chavez Jr., son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, doesn't bring much to the table either. He's fought just once in the past three and a half years, a six-round matchup against UFC veteran Uriah Hall. Chavez Jr.'s struggles with alcohol and drugs have overshadowed his boxing career in recent years.
Paul's aware that his choice of opponents, aside from Fury, hasn't impressed serious boxing fans. He's called out Canelo Alvarez multiple times, but a fight with the Mexican superstar never seemed likely. Instead, he's settled for Chavez Jr., a choice that leaves a lot to be desired.
The upcoming fight highlights the ongoing tension between the traditional boxing world and celebrity boxers seeking legitimacy. While Paul's helped turn celebrity boxing into a lucrative venture, his reluctance to take real risks in the ring continues to hurt his credibility among serious fight fans.