Six division world champion Oscar De La Hoya is a big supporter of Youtube star turned boxer, Jake Paul.

This Sunday, Paul (3-0, 3 KOs) will take part in his fourth pro fight, when he faces former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of a Showtime Pay-Per-View card.

De La Hoya respects the desire and dedication that Paul has displayed for the sport.

"I admire him for his courage. I admire him for just being so adamant about becoming world champion and I see the talent in him. I strongly feel that he's set in his heart that he can become world champion and I really believe that he can," De La Hoya said to The Sun.  

"He does have skill, he doesn't have the experience that people might be criticizing him about, but that's going to happen in time. He happens to have a lot of followers, therefore he has a lot of criticism but that comes with the territory."

But, there are many boxing purists who believe Paul is getting way too much attention for an untested prospect - who at the moment has never faced an actual pro boxer.

On the other hand, Paul has a tremendous online presence - with millions upon millions of followers.

De La Hoya, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, embraces Paul's ability to attract a new legion of fans.

"One thing about me, he's been attracting a whole new fanbase which is very admirable, no one has ever been able to do that. So we must embrace it as a boxing community, we must not be so negative," De La Hoya said.

"Jake Paul's a fighter who can open up a lot of doors, who can change boxing, who can just attract the masses on a global level.  So I'm his fan, 1,000 percent and I'm looking forward to do something with him for the sake of the sport."