Oscar De La Hoya has weighed in on whether or not Jake Paul can become a boxing world champion.
While not all boxing fans may like it, Paul has become one of the biggest names in the sport in recent years, helped by his controversial bout with boxing icon Mike Tyson in November which ‘The Problem Child’ won by unanimous decision after eight rounds.
Most recently, Paul claimed another unanimous decision victory when he defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, and the YouTuber-turned-boxer has now turned his attention to trying to secure a shot at a world title.
With that in mind, legendary fighter and now promoter De La Hoya has told Ring Champs With Ak and Barak if he feels that Paul has what it takes to claim world honours ‘within two years.’
“I’m going to call it right here and right now, I think Jake Paul becomes world champion within two years.”
‘The Golden Boy’ then expanded, praising Paul for both his matchmaking and commitment.
“I don’t know how many fights that will be, but within two years I believe Jake will be a world champion.
“What I like about him is he’s very calculated with his career, he’s very serious. This is life or death for him, everything is on the line, he’s the hardest worker I’m telling you. I love what he’s doing.
“If you take a look at what Jake Paul is doing at how he’s orchestrating his career, he’s picking and choosing the right time, the right moment, the right fighter to strike.”
The 28-year-old has been linked to a shock fight with former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in recent weeks, and another ex-title holder in the banner division, Deontay Wilder, is also reported to now be in his sights.
De La Hoya promotes WBA and WBO Cruiserweight champ Gilberto Ramirez, though said the WBC’s Badou Jack, now 41, would be a better option for Paul’s ambitions.