JAKE PAUL has divided opinion since his arrival on the boxing scene in polarising fashion.
Behind the scenes, however, the YouTuber has been working hard to become a professional prizefighter, starting with his first white collar fight in 2018.
He beat online opponent 'AnEsonGib, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, and retired UFC Welterweight Ben Askren by knockout.
Paul now faces Tyron Woodley, ex-UFC champion.
SunSport shares his insights with those who have shared the ring.
Jake Bostwick (18-10 MMA fighter)
Bostwick (31 years old) was invited to Paul's Miami training facility earlier in the year to get a feel for how an experienced MMA fighter moves in the ring.
Brit, a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Star, was also shocked at Paul's devotion to sweet science.
He stated that he genuinely rates his boxing and his work ethic. He also said that he was comfortable in the ring with anyone of his calibre, or with any other person.
"I hit him with some good shots, he didn’t care, threw a few shots back, sliding, moving, his jab was great.
He's not the stupid person people think that he is.
He's very respectful. Although he does not like people talking about him, it's an indication that he is very respectful.
"He has money, he has his friends, and if you get to know him, he can be pretty cool."
Robin Safar, 11-0 light-heavyweight
Safar was asked to sparring by Paul's trainer, BJ Flores.
Paul was sparred by the heavy-handed puncher before Robinson beat him last November on Mike Tyson's undercard.
Safar, 28 years old, said that he has good speed and good reactions. Naturally, he was born with explosiveness, speed, and quick reactions.
"It was like he was thinking in the ring, when he sparred me.
"He's a great kid, and he has ambition for what it's doing. He's determined, and I believe anyone can achieve anything in life, regardless of who they are or what their background.
"Jake is still young, but for his greenness he's very good. He's really talented, I think.
Paul has yet to make it past round 2, due to the opposition level, but Safar revealed that he is learning the ropes.
He said: "He's really great for a YouTuber. He's a smart child because he wouldn’t be in this position today if he weren't.
"Boxing requires a lot of brainpower, and Jake has it.
"If he can use his IQ in boxing the same way he uses it outside of boxing and in the ring and add the determination, ambition and will to succeed, he could be very good."
Ahmed Elbiali (20-1 light-heavyweight)
Elbiali was also present to assist Paul in preparations for Robinson. The pair sparred once.
Although he admitted to being cautious around novices, he saw potential in the millionaire vlogger who was trained by Flores, an ex-cruiserweight competitor.
Elbiali, 30 years old, said that Jake is athletic and powerful but cannot be compared to experienced professionals.
He seems calm and composed, which is really nice. He is strong and has a strong right hand.
"He was a good user of his jab and listens to BJ well.
"BJ is a great fighter, a great coach, and he knows the sport well. He's also passing on a lot to Jake.
"Jake really, truly and truly listens to BJ. He truly loves boxing and believes that he isn't bulls***ing.
"And that's why I respect it. A man with passion is unstoppable."
Jean Pascal, 20-1 light-heavyweight, 35-6-1 (1)
Paul and Logan, their brother, moved to Puerto Rico. They began training regularly with Pascal, an ex-world champion.
The light-heavyweight is a far cry from the two heavyweight brothers with their different styles.
Pascal, 38 years old, stated that Logan is natural because he's gifted and naturally gifted.
"Jake Paul is more technical. He relies more upon his technique. He has excellent technique. Although they have two styles, both are excellent.
"I thought these guys were just YouTubers at the beginning, Jake and Logan.
"But to be at camp with them, and to see them train hard every day, training like world-class fighters, was a shock to me.
"They have earned my respect, I've seen them at the gym almost every day and they love our sport.
"I believe it's good for the sport that these guys bring some eyes into the sport because more people will watch the fights because of them."
