Jake Paul beats Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in first fight since Mike Tyson win

Jake Paul outpointed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a fight which failed to spark into life.

Paul dominated the opening stages as former world champion Chavez Jr struggled to impose himself. The Mexican finally came to life in the final six minutes but by then it was too little, too late. All three judges gave Paul the nod, by scores of 99-91, 97-93, 98-92.

Paul was fighting for the first time since his controversial fight with 58-year-old Mike Tyson last November. Paul outpointed the former undisputed heavyweight champion on that occasion before turning his attention to modern-day legend Canelo Alvarez - but could not strike a deal with the Mexican.

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Instead he took on his fellow countryman Chavez Jr who once reigned as middleweight world champion, three divisions below the cruiserweight limit this fight was set at, but who had fought just once in four years - a points win over former UFC star Uriah Hall.

Paul had the better of a quiet first round while Chavez Jr appeared reluctant to commit to his shots. He did miss with two choreographed left hooks as Paul landed the best shot of the session with his right hand. Spurred on by his successes, Paul increased the tempo in the second round against a reluctant Chavez Jr.

Chavez Jr's team told him to let his hands go before the start of the third round, but it was Paul who sensed blood against an opponent who already appeared resigned to defeat. The Mexican did connect with a left hook in the dying seconds, seemingly responding to his famous father who was growing increasingly frustrated at ringside.

Chavez Jr began to show more appetite for a fight in the fourth session but was still out-struck by Paul. The YouTuber had predicted beforehand that he would end the fight in the fifth round but he didn't come close as the bout sank into mediocrity. Chavez Jr briefly rallied the crowd in the sixth round with a flurry which forced Paul to hold on but he already needed a knockout with five rounds remaining.

And that same crowd were jeering in the seventh with neither man pressing the fight. Chavez Jr offered a little more in the eighth round as he pushed back Paul, but his attacks were brief and lacked conviction. Paul did, however, look fatigued in the penultimate session as Chavez Jr finally registered on the scorecards. But Paul navigated his way through the final three minutes to earn his 12th professional victory.

In the co-main event, Gilberto Ramirez defended his cruiserweight world title with a points win over former champion Yuniel Dorticos. Ramirez has been a target for Paul, who will likely earn a world ranking after his victory over Chavez Jr.