Jake Paul, the 28-year-old native of Cleveland, Ohio, made his professional boxing debut in 2020, leaving an early impression with a first-round knockout of fellow YouTuber Ali Eson Gib at the Meridian in Miami, Florida. Since then, Paul has carved out an unconventional path in the sport, securing high-profile bouts against several MMA legends, including Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz.
A pivotal moment in his career came two years ago when he faced undefeated Briton Tommy Fury, marking the first official loss of his pro record. His most recent performance came against none other than Mike Tyson, whom he defeated by unanimous decision in a fight that drew global attention last November in Texas.
Now determined to shed the label of “celebrity boxer,” The Problem Child has repeatedly voiced his ambition to become a legitimate world champion. One notable figure who recently weighed in on Paul’s trajectory is Oscar De La Hoya, a Hall of Famer whose own career includes ten world titles across six weight divisions.
De La Hoya’s endorsement
In a recent conversation with Boxing News, De La Hoya addressed the possibility of a future clash between Jake Paul and current undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. Surprisingly, the “Golden Boy” offered an emphatic endorsement of Paul’s seriousness and potential in the sport.
Oscar De La Hoya has been clear about Jake Paul’s career. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
“I think Jake Paul is such a genius in luring in Canelo that he had Canelo actually talk about Jake Paul. That’s a genius move from him. I think that Jake is doing the right moves for his career, and I strongly feel that he is serious about boxing for the first time. I feel that Jake Paul has a real, real shot at winning a world title,” said De La Hoya, sparking considerable buzz with his unexpected support.
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What’s next for Jake Paul?
Jake Paul’s next challenge is scheduled for June 28, when he will step into the ring against former WBC middleweight world champion Julio César Chávez Jr. The fight, set at cruiserweight, will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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This matchup is being closely watched, as it will not only test Paul’s ability to handle a seasoned former world champion, but also serve as a key moment in his effort to gain credibility as a true contender within the sport’s traditional hierarchy.
