Six division world champion Oscar De La Hoya is a true believer in the boxing ability of social media star Jake Paul.

Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) was in action back in December, when he scored a brutal one-punch knockout in his rematch with former UFC champion Tyrone Woodley.

De La Hoya believes Paul can become a world champion if he continues his professional run.

Paul has yet to fight an actual pro boxer, but there have been whispers of a fight with former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

There is also the possibility of rescheduling his clash with former light heavyweight champion Tommy Fury - which fell out last December when Fury withdrew with injury.

Paul is expected to fight again by the summer.

“Let me tell you one thing about Jake Paul,” De La Hoya said to TMZ. “He’s the real deal. I’m going to tell you that. With only four or five fights, and the way he’s taking it serious, Jake Paul is the real deal.

“And I dare anyone who has boxing, who has MMA experience to call him out because I can tell you one thing this guy can beat a lot of good champions, even maybe great champions. Jake Paul’s on to something because he’s taking it serious. This is not a one-off, a two-off, a three-off, no. He wants to become a world champion and there’s no way out of becoming a world champion, you have to fight the very best and he’s doing it right. I just have to say that, that Jake Paul is doing the right thing.

“He’s on his way to becoming a contender, and he’s on his way to becoming a world contender, then a world champion. If he keeps it up, with all the social media stuff, look, everybody wants to be him. Think about it, everybody wants followers, everybody is on social media. What’s wrong with him having 19 plus million followers? It’s wonderful for the sport, enough with that BS, let him be. He’s doing the right thing and is great for boxing. I really hope he does become world champion.”