Tony Bellew expecting Jake Paul to 'beat up' Julio Cesar Chavez Jr this weekend

Tony Bellew believes Jake Paul will comprehensively beat former middleweight champion of the world Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in California this weekend.

The social media superstar turned professional boxer has vowed to one day capture a world title, and will look to take a step closer to fulfilling his dream with victory over former WBC title-holder Chavez Jr in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Mexican held the coveted green and gold 160lbs strap for 18 months after prizing it away from John Duddy in 2011, making five successive defences of the belt before being beaten by Sergio Martinez.

However, in more recent years, Chavez Jr has seen his boxing integrity and heart questioned, with his shock loss at the hands of former MMA star Anderson Silva drawing widespread criticism.

Even his esteemed father - three-weight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Sr - suggested it was time his son hung up his gloves having clearly 'lost his love and drive' for boxing; a statement Bellew is in total agreement with.

“I can’t believe I’m writing this but I am - Jake Paul is going to beat Chavez Jr up," the former cruiserweight world champion posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Chavez in his pomp was a very good fighter with some very good wins on his resume, but he no longer loves or lives for the game and that’s why he’s lost to the likes of Anderson Silva!

- Tony Bellew (X)

"I think Jake wins on points. A stoppage would be impressive, in my opinion."

The 39-year-old will however attempt to roll back the years and showcase his undoubted talents in Anaheim this weekend against an opponent he first called out three years ago.

Speaking in 2021 Chavez Jr even revealed he would be willing to sacrifice his share of the fight purse if he was unable to beat the brash American.

"It ain’t really on Jake Paul this one, it’s all on Chavez," Bellew added.

"He's the professional fighter and the person who has said he would comprehensively beat Jake Paul in the past - he has to back up his words now.

"If he doesn't and loses, then he is embarrassing real fighters, and more so himself, especially given he carries an absolute icon’s (Julio Cesar Chavez Sr) name!

"He needs to take better care of it and only fight when he’s willing to take it seriously."

Mark Mothershaw

• Jake Paul
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