- Each Jake Paul and Julio Chavez Jr. efficiently made weight Friday
- Regardless of trying higher than latest years, Chavez Jr.’s physique language raises issues heading into Saturday
- Learn beneath for our up to date Paul vs Chavez prediction after watching Friday’s weigh-ins
Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. each made weight Friday afternoon forward of their cruiserweight showdown Saturday night time on the Honda Heart. What I noticed on the scales made me much more assured that Paul will cease the previous middleweight champion.
Right here’s my up to date Paul vs Chavez Jr. prediction after watching each fighters step on the dimensions.
Paul vs Chavez Jr. Weigh-in Breakdown
The excellent news for Chávez Jr. is he truly made weight. That’s not all the time a given with him. He weighed 198.4 kilos, safely beneath the 200-pound cruiserweight restrict. Paul got here in at 199.4 kilos.
However right here’s what stood out: That is the heaviest Chávez Jr. has ever been for an expert struggle.
The 39-year-old Mexican fighter made his identify at 160 kilos, the place he gained the WBC middleweight title again in 2011. He’s fought as excessive as gentle heavyweight earlier than, however by no means at this weight. In the meantime, Paul regarded comfy at 199.4, coming down from the 227 kilos he weighed for the Mike Tyson struggle.
Extra telling than the numbers was how every fighter regarded. Chávez Jr. gave the impression to be in higher form than we’ve seen lately, however one thing appeared off. Possibly it was the damage and tear from an extended profession. Possibly it was preventing 38 kilos above the place he gained his world title. Both manner, he didn’t appear to be a man prepared for warfare.
Paul? He regarded relaxed and assured. There’s a distinction between placing on a courageous face and genuinely believing you’re about to knock somebody out. Paul had the look of the latter.
Up to date Paul vs Chavez Prediction: Late Stoppage
For many who haven’t been following this struggle intently, let me clarify why I like Paul to win by knockout, particularly within the later rounds.
Chávez Jr. brings actual boxing pedigree to this struggle. He’s the son of a legend, a former world champion himself, and owns a 54-6-1 document with 34 knockouts. He’s solely been stopped twice in 61 skilled fights. You don’t compile that type of resume with out being powerful as nails.
That’s why I’m giving him respect early. His expertise and boxing IQ ought to preserve him within the struggle for the primary half. He is aware of tips Paul hasn’t even considered but.
However Father Time is undefeated, and Chávez Jr. is pushing 40 with plenty of exhausting miles on his physique. He’s solely fought as soon as prior to now three and a half years. The additional weight he’s carrying gained’t assist his stamina both.
Paul has youth, dimension, and exercise on his facet. The 28-year-old has fought seven instances since Chávez Jr.’s final significant bout. That type of ring rust doesn’t simply disappear since you had an excellent coaching camp.
Paul vs Chavez Betting Evaluation: The Good Cash Play
After seeing the weigh-ins, I’m extra assured than ever that Paul wins by knockout. The query is when.
My up to date Paul vs Chavez prediction nonetheless targets rounds 7 via 9. By then, Chávez Jr.’s gasoline tank shall be working low, the additional weight will really feel like a ton, and Paul’s strain shall be an excessive amount of. However I’ll admit I’m much less sure in regards to the actual spherical after seeing how the fighters regarded Friday.
What I’m sure about: Paul by KO/TKO at +140 to +150 gives actual worth. If you wish to get extra particular, Paul to win in rounds 7-9 pays anyplace from +800 to +1000 relying in your sportsbook. That’s the place the good cash goes.
Might Chávez Jr. show me mistaken and go the gap? Positive. He’s powerful and proud. However all the things I noticed on the weigh-ins tells me this ends with Paul’s hand raised and Chávez Jr. questioning why he took this struggle.
My remaining up to date Paul vs Chavez prediction: The Drawback Baby will get it carried out inside the gap. Wager on that on the prime sports activities betting apps.