Jake Paul has been backed to take victory against Anderson Silva when he faces the former UFC star at the end of this month.
Paul is set to encounter the sternest test of his short boxing career, but Oscar De La Hoya, a six-weight world champion, believes the popular YouTuber has what it takes to make a big statement against Silva.
Since defeating Tyron Woodley, another MMA superstar, in back-to-back contests last year, Paul’s attempt to remain active have been thwarted.
First Tommy Fury was forced to pull out due to problems entering America and then there were concerns regarding Hasim Rahman Jr’s weight. Paul now faces Silva, and De La Hoya believes it’ll be a good night for the 25-year-old.
“That’s a good fight,” said De La Hoya when speaking to Inside Fighting.
“I’m gonna go with Jake Paul. Yeah, I’m gonna go with Jake Paul, just because he seems like he’s getting into the rhythm of things.
“He doesn’t have too many fights. He loves boxing, is a hard worker, and has a lot of power. If he connects with Silva, he’s going to knock him out. If he touches Silva, he’s going down.
“Everybody’s going based on what Silva did to Julio César Chávez Jr. and Tito Ortiz. Come on. I mean, Chávez Jr. Wasn’t even 20% of himself. Okay? Conditioning wise, physically, just wasn’t him.”