Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya is giving Jake Paul his due respect. Despite Paul’s controversial transition from social media stardom to professional boxing, 

De La Hoya believes the YouTuber-turned-fighter has proven his commitment to the sport.

In an exclusive interview with Page Six, the former 11-time world champion expressed admiration for Paul’s dedication, 

acknowledging that the 28-year-old has worked harder than many might think.

“I actually have a lot of respect for him because here you have this kid who grew up with Nickelodeon, basically,” De La Hoya, 52, said, referencing Paul’s early acting career. 

Though Paul gained fame as a YouTube prankster and actor—most notably starring in Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark

—De La Hoya admits he didn’t expect Paul to take boxing so seriously.

“He’s actually putting in the work,” De La Hoya added. “He’s actually a harder worker than most fighters out there, like, when it comes to training and when it comes to, like, being disciplined. And yeah, I have a lot of respect for him.”

From YouTube Sensation to Boxing Contender

Jake Paul’s rise to boxing prominence has been unconventional, to say the least. After building a massive following online—with over 20 million YouTube subscribers, 28.7 million Instagram followers, and 18.5 million TikTok fans—Paul made his professional boxing debut in January 2020 against fellow influencer AnEsonGib.

Since then, he has stepped into the ring with notable opponents, including former UFC champions and even boxing icon Mike Tyson. In November 2024, Paul defeated the 58-year-old Tyson via unanimous decision after an eight-round fight, which was live-streamed on Netflix. The match was highly anticipated, drawing significant viewership and sparking heated debates about Paul’s legitimacy as a boxer.

Despite his victories, Paul has faced criticism for avoiding fights against boxers in their prime. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith previously argued that Paul had not “earned the right to be in the ring with somebody as serious and as lethal and as accomplished as Canelo [Alvarez].”

Still, De La Hoya’s endorsement suggests that Paul’s hard work behind the scenes may be more impressive than critics realize.

Mike Tyson’s Recovery and Reaction

Paul’s fight with Tyson was physically demanding, especially for the former heavyweight champion. In an interview with The New York Post in January, Tyson admitted that he had not yet fully recovered from the bout.

“I haven’t recovered 100 percent,” he revealed, though he assured fans that he still felt “pretty good.”

The fight marked another major moment in Paul’s boxing career, reinforcing his ability to draw big-name opponents and maintain public interest in his matches.

Will De La Hoya Step Back Into the Ring?

With legendary fighters like Tyson returning for high-profile exhibition matches, the question arises: Would Oscar De La Hoya ever consider stepping back into the ring?

When asked about the possibility of a comeback, De La Hoya admitted he had entertained the idea but wasn’t fully committed.

“I’ve literally been thinking about it, but I’m OK,” he said.

The boxing great maintains a rigorous fitness routine, regularly practicing yoga and working out to stay in shape. However, at 52, he acknowledges that his competitive fighting days are likely behind him.

“My body feels great, but I’m 52 years old,” he added with a laugh.

De La Hoya’s Move Into Entertainment

These days, De La Hoya is focused more on entertainment than boxing. While he continues to run Golden Boy Promotions, his recent foray into television has been making headlines.

Most recently, he appeared on The Masked Singer as the character Fuzzy Peas. Although he was eliminated after just two episodes, De La Hoya revealed that the experience made him more nervous than stepping into a boxing ring.

“I swear I would rather get inside the ring with Mike Tyson, and fight Mike Tyson, and get knocked out,” he joked about his anxiety before performing on the show.

Final Thoughts

Jake Paul’s boxing career continues to divide opinions, but one thing is undeniable—he is dedicated to proving himself in the sport. With the endorsement of a boxing icon like Oscar De La Hoya, Paul’s reputation in the boxing world may continue to rise.

As for De La Hoya, while he may not be making a return to the ring anytime soon, his career remains as dynamic as ever, spanning boxing promotion and entertainment. Whether in the world of fighting or television, his presence remains influential in the sports and media landscape.

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