Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary 11-time world boxing champion, has expressed his admiration for YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, giving him more credit than many might expect. De La Hoya, who has had an illustrious career in the boxing world, recently shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Page Six. “I actually have a lot of respect for him because here you have this kid who grew up with Nickelodeon, basically,” he said, referencing Paul’s early days as a teen actor on the Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark from 2016 to 2018. De La Hoya noted that Paul didn’t have a boxing background during that time, which makes his rise in the sport even more impressive. “He’s actually putting in the work,” De La Hoya said, praising Paul’s dedication to training and discipline. “He’s actually a harder worker than most fighters out there,” he added, emphasizing Paul’s commitment to his craft.
Jake Paul first gained fame as a YouTube sensation, amassing over 20 million followers on the platform, alongside millions more on Instagram and TikTok. His early content focused on comedic pranks, but he eventually shifted his focus to professional boxing. Paul made his boxing debut in January 2020 against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib and has since built a successful career in the ring. One of his most notable fights was against boxing legend Mike Tyson in November 2024. In a surprising turn of events, Paul defeated the 58-year-old Tyson via unanimous decision after eight rounds, showcasing his skills and determination. Tyson himself later admitted to The Post that he hadn’t fully recovered from the fight but still felt “pretty good” overall.
Despite his success, Paul has faced criticism from some in the boxing community. Many argue that he hasn’t fought opponents in their prime, which has led to questions about the legitimacy of his career. ESPN host Stephen A. Smith echoed these sentiments in 2021, stating, “Jake Paul hasn’t earned the right to be in the ring with somebody as serious and as lethal and as accomplished as Canelo [Alvarez].” However, De La Hoya seems to disagree with this sentiment, choosing instead to highlight Paul’s work ethic and dedication to the sport. When Page Six asked De La Hoya if he would ever consider an exhibition fight or a matchup like Tyson vs. Paul, he laughed and said, “I’ve literally been thinking about it, but I’m OK.” He added, “I keep myself in good shape. I love doing yoga in the morning and I love working out and all that—my body feels great, but I’m 52 years old.”
De La Hoya, who now primarily works as a boxing promoter for his company Golden Boy Promotions, Inc., has recently ventured into the entertainment world. He appeared on the latest season of The Masked Singer, where he performed as the character “Fuzzy Peas.” Unfortunately, his journey on the show came to an end after two episodes when he was eliminated. De La Hoya admitted to Page Six that performing on the show was nerve-wracking, even for someone with his extensive experience. “I swear I would rather get inside the ring with Mike Tyson, fight Mike Tyson, and get knocked out,” he said, comparing the pressure of boxing to the stress of performing on stage. He recalled how before a big fight, he’d get “butterflies” in his stomach, but those nerves would disappear once the bell rang. However, on The Masked Singer, the anxiety lingered, though he eventually found himself enjoying the experience once the music started.
De La Hoya’s appearance on The Masked Singer highlights his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and explore new challenges. While he is best known for his achievements in boxing, his foray into entertainment shows a more playful and creative side. The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, giving fans a chance to see their favorite celebrities perform in elaborate costumes. For De La Hoya, the experience was a reminder that even after achieving greatness in one field, there’s always room to try something new and push oneself in unexpected ways.
In summary, Oscar De La Hoya’s praise for Jake Paul underscores the latter’s hard work and dedication to boxing, despite his unconventional background. Paul’s journey from YouTube fame to professional boxing has been nothing short of remarkable, even if it has sparked debates about his place in the sport. Meanwhile, De La Hoya’s ventures outside of boxing, including his appearances on The Masked Singer, show that even legends can embrace new challenges and have fun while doing it. Whether it’s the boxing ring or the stage, these two figures continue to prove that success is not limited to one arena.
