Jake Paul makes his return to the ring on Saturday night to square off against former world middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
On the back of cruising past Mike Tyson in what can only be described as a bout that embarrassed the sport of boxing, the American YouTuber is now attempting to get another notable name on his record.
Chavez, the son of the legendary former three-division world champion of the same name, was once deemed one of the best fighters at 160lbs, but his career has petered out and his heart and desire often being questioned.
Tale of the tape
Paul vs. Chavez Jr: Another name on the record
There is a strong argument that Paul is only taking this fight because of the realisation that Chavez has done nothing notable in the sport since his 2017 defeat to Canelo Alvarez.
On that occasion, he showed minimal aggression and that has followed him for the past eight years on his rare appearances in the squared circle.
The fact that BoyleSports has priced Paul at 1/7 tells you everything that you need to know, more so about Chavez who lost to a then 46-year-old Anderson Silva – a UFC legend rather than boxer – back in 2021.
If anything, the 9/2 for Chavez is not tempting in the slightest. In fact, the draw at 16/1 is only worthwhile if you are backing some kind of controversy.
Can Paul drop Chavez?
That essentially leaves you scrambling for value for money associated with a Paul win and it is slim pickings on that front.
Paul on points at 5/6 will be the go-to bet for many, but the fight ending between rounds six to 10 at 5/2 is worthwhile given that Chavez has either previously look disinterested or retired inbetween rounds.
Zero knockdowns at 11/10 also has value. Paul has seven knockouts in 12 fights on his record, but Chavez deserves a certain level of respect for going 12 rounds with Canelo when the Mexican superstar was motivated to make a statement ahead of his showdowns with Gennady Golovkin.
Best undercard picks: Schofield, Farmer the standout fight
Gilberto Ramirez puts his WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles on the line against Yuniel Dorticos in what is the chief-support bout.
However, there is potential for this to be equally one-way traffic, Ramirez having looked sensational in dethroning Chris Billam-Smith back in November.
Dorticos is a former cruiserweight world champion, but he has done nothing since losing by majority decision to Mairis Briedis in September 2020, having five rounds across three fights against unknown opposition and featuring in one round since the end of 2022.
This fight has been made for Ramirez to post his first significant knockout at 200lbs and 4/5 for the stoppage is value for money, as are the 5/1 for Ramirez rounds 4-6 or 7/2 for Ramirez rounds 7-9.
Schofield with a point to prove
The fight of the night should be Floyd Schofield versus Tevin Farmer, Schofield with much to prove after withdrawing from his previous bout against pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson with three days notice.
Still, at the age of 22, Schofield remains one of USA's top prospects and is unbeaten in 18 fights, winning 12 by knockout, and while 1/2 to win offers little value, a punt at 11/2 for the stoppage is worth taking.
Farmer is taking this fight just three months after pushing hard-punching William Zepeda in their rematch. His reputation was enhanced in defeat, but the quick turnaround could play a part here.
Having stopped no-one notable since 2018, a knockout for Farmer appears out of the question, but 13/8 for victory by any means has value if you believe that is recent activity will prove beneficial rather than being detrimental.
Top three bets of the night
Jake Paul to win on points – 5/6
Gilberto Ramirez to win rounds 4-6 – 5/1
Floyd Schofield to win by stoppage – 11/2
Darren is a writer and tipster across a wide array of sports including football, golf, darts and boxing. He counts Keegan Bradley's US PGA Championship win in 2011 as his greatest-ever bet. Darren is also a Chelsea and Hednesford Town fan, as well as a keen golfer and darts player.
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