Jake Paul's boxing career takes a big step this Friday as he faces Mike Tyson at AT&T; Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will be shown live on Netflix and will last eight two-minute rounds.
Oscar De La Hoya, a boxing expert and former champion, has praised Jake Paul as "the real deal" ahead of this match. De La Hoya first shared this opinion nearly three years ago and still stands by it.
"With only four or five fights, and the way he's taking it serious. Jake Paul is the real deal and I dare anyone who has boxing experience or MMA experience to call him out," De La Hoya said in an interview with TMZ Sports.
De La Hoya believes Paul can beat good and maybe even great champions. He's impressed by Paul's dedication and his goal to become a world champion.
"I'll tell you one thing, this guy can beat a lot of good champions, and even maybe great champions. This is not a one-off, two-off or three-off, he wants to become a world champion. You have to fight the very best and he's doing it right. He's doing the right thing."
Paul, known as "The Problem Child," started his pro boxing career four years ago. At 27, he's preparing for his biggest fight yet against the legendary Mike Tyson.
De La Hoya thinks this fight will push Paul to a new level. He told Fight Hub TV: "I'm actually looking forward to it. Jake Paul, he's moving up, he's becoming a better fighter, this fight here, the fact he's focused and determined and he's going up against the great Mike Tyson. It takes him to another level."
When it comes to predicting the fight, De La Hoya sees two possible outcomes. He thinks Tyson could win by knockout in the early rounds, but if the fight goes longer, Paul's youth might give him an edge.
"If it's before three, four rounds, I have to go with Tyson by knockout, that one punch knockout, if it goes past four rounds, I have to worry about Tyson's conditioning, and where Jake Paul's youth can take over. I've seen Jake Paul's videos, he looks big, he looks huge. So whatever spray he's taking, it's working."
De La Hoya points out that while Tyson still has his legendary power, his reflexes, speed, and conditioning might not be what they once were. On the other hand, Paul looks to be in great shape for the fight.
This match has got the boxing world talking, and it's clear why. It's a clash between a YouTube star turned boxer and one of the sport's all-time greats. Fans can catch all the action live on Netflix this Friday.
There's already talk about who Paul might fight next, but for now, all eyes are on this Friday's showdown in Texas.
