When Jake Paul started his boxing journey, he was (and is still) considered a disrupter in the sport. He was just another case of a social media star trying to make a name for himself at the expense of those who have worked hard in the ring. Along with his brother Logan, the Paul takeover was seen by many as a threat. 

However, it might be time to take Paul out of the discussion as a "boxing YouTuber" to an "actual boxer."

That is especially true following his recent win against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. While Chavez (54-7-1) hasn't looked the same since winning gold over a decade ago, his skills were still enough to give Paul a challenge.

With the win, Paul earned a guaranteed ranking at cruiserweight.

MORE: Results, highlights from Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Paul (12-1) has been boxing professionally for over four years. Every time he competes, there are critiques, ranging from his overall status to the opponents he selects. It's not hard to disagree that his attitude can be considered a joke to the sport. However, his past few fights and promoter mindset have shown how serious he is about being part of the sport over the long run.

And it has become apparent that one can't ignore his contributions to boxing. 

"I'm just going in there to be a young boxing prospect who has aspirations to be a world champion and fighting guys that have this experience level and getting the experience under the lights and staying fresh, working in camp more often," Paul told ESPN.

"This is the journey I'm on now, and I think before it's been about business or MMA guys, big names, but now I'm taking the traditional boxing route."

The leader of Most Valuable Promotions started by fighting MMA fighters and former NBA players in one-sided affairs. Since the start of 2023, he has found a way to improve his craft and show he can face legitimate students of the "Sweet Science."

MORE: Who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world?

"The Problem Child" faced Tommy Fury in February 2023, losing against the half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Tommy does not have Tyson's resume, but he is a credible name.  Paul lost, but he did knock Fury down, an impressive feat.

Many thought the Jake Paul experiment would end following that loss, but Paul did not duck and hide.

Paul returned against Nate Diaz. While Diaz is another MMA fighter, he was probably the best rebound fight for Paul, given his status as a "Cardio King." Paul beat Diaz and then moved on to another boxer, Andre August. Paul knocked him out in the first round and then took care of Ryan Bourland.

August and Bourland weren't flashy or even big names, but they were fighters of his level, something boxing fans wanted to see him compete against. And when he did? Crickets.

At that point, it was hard to blame Paul for continuing his journey of calling out boxing's best, such as Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis, with the former fight almost happening. It's also the exact reason we got the Mike Tyson fight. While ridiculed, it broke records, meaning people tuned in, regardless of Tyson's old age or health issues. 

Chavez is known for quitting during fights, not making weight, and having issues outside the ring. Still, he gave Paul something many wanted to see: an opponent with a credible resume who can still compete.     

Paul may have statements of delusion when he says he wants to take on Canelo, but he knows what people will be talking about at the end of the day. 

Something people may not realize (or just gloss over) is that Paul entered boxing without any prior amateur experience. He didn't compete in the Olympics, any aspect of the Golden Gloves, or an international tournament. And he's heading straight into the fire.

MORE: Why did Jake and Logan Paul move to Puerto Rico?

Before facing Paul, Bourland had a record of 17-2. Canelo fought someone making their pro debut in his 10th contest. Deontay Wilder fought Alvaro Morales, who had a 4-7-5 record. Fight fans have been waiting for the likes of Jaron Ennis, Nico Ali Walsh, and even Ryan Garcia before he fought Gervonta Davis, to test themselves. 

Regarding business, Paul uses his influence to attract new boxing fans. He is the fighter of the social media generation, similar to Devin Haney and Garcia. His audience may not be the typical one boxing entertains. However, the sport has needed a boost over the years as MMA has grown in popularity.

The YouTuber gave boxing an audience. It is up to the sport and other promoters to keep them. 

"Listen, he (Paul) did more for boxing than some of the champions did," Tyson said about Paul in his Netflix documentary via Business Insider. "I'm a fan of people that know how to put a— in the seats. Those are the guys I look up to. You're entertaining us. You're the champ. You're my hero."

Some debate Paul's progress and the level of competition he has faced. It's impossible to please everyone, especially when Paul believes he knows what's best for his career. 

"The sport of boxing is filled with problems, and Jake Paul is not one of them," Lou DiBella said via ESPN. "He doesn't disrespect the sport, there's nothing wrong with this opponent, and he hasn't made a mistake with his matchmaking. His brother [Logan Paul] is getting a bag in sports entertainment [WWE]. He's getting a bag in sports entertainment. There's nothing wrong with that. Good for him."

The former Disney star also helps boxing by bringing further awareness to women's boxing.

MORE: The case for two vs. three-minute round in women's boxing

The 2022 Fight of the Year between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor in Madison Square Garden, the first time women boxers main-evented "The World's Most Famous Arena," was partially a result of Paul's marketing ability and business sense. He didn't put himself as the center of attention there.

MVP continues to promote women's boxing during a time when various organizations are moving away from it. Paul has a stable full of champions, signed Hall of Famer Holly Holm, and is ready to promote a third Taylor-Serrano fight.

Paul is not supposed to be a world champion. Even when he is about to be ranked, he may never be. But as he attempts to advance in boxing, a sport known not to discriminate between a Cinderella Man-like story and true heartbreak, it is hard not to admire his attempts. 

Whether you like it or not, Paul is not leaving the sport. It might be time to accept that.

"Jake Paul, he's not a villain," Tyson stated. "He's an antihero. He's not a villain. He does hero s—, but he just don't go by heroes' laws."