TYSON FURY said Jake Paul "knows his stuff" after being named as YouTuber star's pound-for-pound best boxer.
Paul revealed his top ten list, which actually included 13 fighters, with the WBC heavyweight champion placed as No1.
Fury, 34, said in reaction: "Get up there @jakepaul. Man knows his stuff."
Paul, 25, revealed his list on his podcast and explained his decisions in a statement.
He said: "First and foremost, Tyson Fury has just been so dominant in the heavyweight division for so long.
"He beats every heavyweight by KO/TKO including Usyk and there hasn't been a heavyweight in the history of the sport who hasn't fallen off eventually and Tyson Fury has remained on top and I think he will retire on top.
"However, what Usyk has done from cruiserweight to heavyweight has been impressive and his dominance, versatility, and boxing ability is second to none."
Paul's mutual respect with Fury comes despite his feud with half-brother Tommy, 23.
The boxing rivals have TWICE signed for a celebrity grudge match but both times Tommy was withdrawn.
Firstly, he suffered a rib injury last December before running into US visa issues ahead of their rescheduled August date.
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It means Paul will have to cross enemy lines to get his hands on Fury, who recently FaceTimed with the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
And they both agreed to see if three really is the lucky number and try for a hat-trick of times.
Paul revealed: "Had a call with Tommy Fury. Yeah, they're saying we're going to fight in February.
"I think he actually can't come into the United States. So if I fight him in the UK..."
He added: "I think parts of it are shady, I don't think we're getting the full truth on everything.
"But regardless, it's a great matchup and I really want to knock him out."
