Jake Paul has taken the boxing world by storm, transitioning from a YouTube celebrity to one of the most polarizing figures in the sport. Love him or hate him, he’s managed to secure wins against notable names, but what do professional boxers really think about his journey into their territory?

Opinions among pro fighters are as divided as the fans. Some, like former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, have expressed admiration for Paul’s efforts. “He’s bringing a new audience to boxing. People underestimate how much work he’s putting in,” Tyson said in a recent interview. Tyson even hinted that Paul’s dedication might be more serious than many traditional boxers give him credit for.

On the other hand, boxing veterans like Canelo Álvarez have been less generous. “He’s not a real boxer,” Canelo said bluntly. “He hasn’t fought anyone truly dangerous yet.” For some fighters, Paul’s rise represents a shortcut to fame, bypassing years of rigorous training and competition in amateur circuits.

Meanwhile, Gervonta “Tank” Davis offered a more balanced take, acknowledging Paul’s marketing genius but questioning his ceiling as a fighter. “He’s good for the sport in terms of attention, but if he gets in the ring with a real contender, it’ll be a different story,” Davis stated.

Others have praised Paul’s ability to draw massive audiences and pay-per-view buys, an area where even seasoned professionals sometimes struggle. Former world champion Amir Khan pointed out, “He’s doing something many of us haven’t — making boxing trend worldwide. That deserves respect, even if his skills aren’t top-tier.”

Jake Paul has also garnered attention for his open criticism of the sport’s politics and his advocacy for fighter pay, earning him some unlikely supporters among boxers frustrated with the system.

Ultimately, Jake Paul remains a controversial figure. Whether he’s seen as a disruptor or a gimmick depends on who you ask, but one thing is certain: he’s forcing the boxing world to pay attention, and the debates about his legitimacy aren’t fading anytime soon.