Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has officially given his stamp of approval to Jake Paul’s boxing career. He said that the YouTube star-turned-boxer has earned his respect through his dedication to the sport.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the eight-division world champion was asked about his thoughts on Jake Paul’s impact on boxing. Pacquiao’s response was notably positive, acknowledging Paul’s legitimate boxing abilities.
“Jake Paul now he has a talent like he can he can he can fight in a real real boxing match. So he can be a boxer,” Pacquiao stated during the interview. When pressed further about whether Paul has earned his respect, the Filipino icon was unequivocal: “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
This endorsement from Pacquiao carries significant weight in the boxing world. As a Hall of Famer who has faced the sport’s elite throughout his legendary career, Pacquiao’s opinion on boxing talent is highly regarded. His assessment of Paul suggests that the controversial figure has evolved beyond his initial celebrity boxing phase into a legitimate competitor.
Pacquiao’s is now preparing for his own comeback match against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. At 46 years old, the Filipino legend is attempting to make history by becoming the first boxer to win a world title after being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. His return to the ring after a four-year hiatus has been driven by his enduring passion for the sport.
The boxing legend also expressed his preference for authentic competition over exhibition matches, stating: “It’s not good for the boxing industry to have like all always like exhibition. Exhibition match is okay, but not always exhibition. Need to have a real fight like to entertain the fans.”
This philosophy aligns with his assessment of Jake Paul, who has increasingly moved away from celebrity matchups toward competing against more established boxers. Paul’s progression from facing fellow YouTubers to taking on former MMA fighters and professional boxers appears to have impressed Pacquiao, who values genuine competition.
Pacquiao’s endorsement of Paul comes at a time when the boxing purist community remains divided on the influencer’s place in the sport. However, having the respect of someone with Pacquiao’s credentials and experience provides significant validation for Paul’s boxing journey.
While Pacquiao built his legacy through traditional boxing channels, Paul has leveraged social media and celebrity status to attract new audiences to the sport.
