Roy Jones Jr gives ringing endorsement to Jake Paul ahead of Hasim Rahman Jr fight

Roy Jones Jr has heaped praise on Jake Paul and said his haters should keep their mouths shut ‘because he made 40 million last year’.

YouTuber Paul has been a controversial figure since making his debut in the ring against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ two years ago.

The 25-year-old’s foray into boxing has drawn criticism from some quarters, with many accusing him of bringing the sport into disrepute.

But former four-weight world champion Jones Jr has given his backing to his fellow American as he continues to build his reputation.

Jones, 53, told ProBox TV’s YouTube channel: “Well, I’m going to start like this.

“First of all, if you are a boxer and you’re not taking note or notice of what Jake Paul is doing, you’re worrying about criticizing his boxing skills, then you’re the fool because he made 40 million last year.

“Actually, you should pay attention to what the hell he is doing outside of the ring.

“If you better yourself inside the ring and use what he is teaching you outside of the ring, then you probably can do what he is doing because he is doing a helluva [sic] job of teaching you guys how to use social media to up your grade.

“If you don’t take that lesson, then you’re crazy.

“Second, he has done much better with the skills. His skill level is definitely increasing and I see it from fight to fight. I love what I’m seeing.

“I love the fact that he’s dedicated himself to learning the sport of boxing.

“He got it the other way round but with the social media era this is how you’re supposed to do it.

“Build your name up first, then go build your skills to match your name.

“That’s what he’s doing, and he’s doing a great job of it.

“So I’m loving what I’m seeing and I just hope he keeps on being successful