Jake Paul sent 'world champion' praise by boxing legend ahead of return

Boxing icon believes YouTuber-turned-boxer possesses the power to become a champion.

The 'Problem Child' is currently preparing for his return to the ring. Paul will take on former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on June 28. Since becoming a professional boxer, the 28-year-old has beaten the likes of Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, Ben Askren, and even Nate Diaz.

With a professional record of 11-1, his sole defeat came at the hands of last year, but the American is . The social media sensation comes into his clash with Chavez Jr off the back of a .

The 28-year-old American, who rose to fame on Disney and has become one of the most discussed boxers globally, is confident in his ability to take on boxing's biggest names. Having been linked with talks to fight stars such as Canelo Alvarez, , and Gervonta Davis, Paul is eyeing a big name within the next year. On the topic of Paul, Jones Jr was quick to weigh in and offer his verdict.

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In an interview with , the veteran said: "The whole purpose [behind the fight] is creating the argument for Jake Paul to fight for a world title. That's what he really wants to do. And it's not bad the way he's going about it.

"He's creating that argument, and eventually, if he keeps going, he'll get a shot. I ain't gonna say that [he will win a title], but he'll get a shot depending on who the opponent is, but he will get a shot, and he has the power to win anything. He can knock anybody out."

In anticipation of Paul's upcoming fight, Jones Jr has confidence in the social media sensation's abilities, especially against Chavez Jr. "Chavez Jr wasn't the same after the Sergio Martinez fight," he said. "I think that fight might have taken a lot out of him. So at that point I don't think he ever was the same, but he was a good fighter at one time, and all good fighters have a chance to show up one night because somewhere down in him there is a good fighter.

"Whether he can find it or not for the Jake Paul fight, we don't know. But I think Jake should probably take him out, mainly because Jake beat Anderson Silva. And Silva beat Chavez. Sometimes it's a triangle, sometimes it goes like that. But from what I'm seeing right now, I think Jake beats him because Jake's bigger, Jake's used to fighting more at that weight, and I think Jake just has more vigor right now, and will want to win more than Chavez does."