Oscar De La Hoya: ‘Jake Paul is the real deal’

“Let me tell you one thing about Jake Paul. He’s the real deal. With only four or five fights, and the way he’s taking it serious. And I dare anyone who has boxing experience, who has MMA experience to call him out, because I’ll tell you one thing, this guy can beat a lot of good champions, and maybe even great champions,” De La Hoya told TMZ Sports on Tuesday. “So Jake Paul is on to something because he’s taking it serious. This is not a one-off, two-off, three-off, no, he wants to become a world champion.”

Much of Paul’s hate come from the fact that his fanmbase has followed him to boxing and helped him make the sort of paydays that are completely uncommon for a fighter at this stage of his career. That is another element of Paul’s overall package that De La Hoya also appreciates, and he believes the haters need to knock off that talk because, in the end, the talent and fanfare Paul brings is a plus for the industry.

“He’s on his way to becoming a contender, he’s on his way to becoming a world contender, then a world champion. If he keeps it up,” said De La Hoya. “All the social media stuff, everybody wants to be him. Everybody wants followers, everybody’s on social media. What’s wrong with him having 19+ million followers? There’s nothing wrong with it an it’s actually wonderful for the sport. Enough with that BS. Let him be. He’s doing the right thing. He’s great for boxing and I really hope he does become world champion.”

Paul last fought in December, beating former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley by sixth-round knockout in a rematch from their bout five months earlier. He is expected to return to action this summer against a yet to be determined opponent.