De La Hoya: Jake Paul is 'real deal,' could beat 'great champions'

Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya believes Jake Paul could hold his own against the sport's top talent.

De La Hoya offered a ringing endorsement of Paul's boxing skills Monday in an interview with TMZ Sports, saying the 25-year-old is "on his way" to becoming a world champion.

"Let me tell you one thing about Jake Paul. He's the real deal," De La Hoya said. "I'm gonna tell you that, 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, who has MMA experience, to call him out, 'cause I'll tell you one thing, this guy can beat a lot of good champions, and even great champions."

Paul is 5-0 as a professional boxer with victories over fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, former NBA player Nate Robinson, and former UFC stars Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. He's set to return to the ring in August but has yet to announce his opponent.