Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew says YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul "couldn’t carry the jockstrap of a proper boxer" after he revealed his goals for 2022.
The 24-year-old American, who began his journey into professional boxing last year, currently has a record of 5-0-0 following wins against Ali Eson Gib, Nate Robinson, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
He has since called out numerous names from MMA, including Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. In fact, he recently name dropped a legend from the world of boxing.
In a Twitter post on Friday night, the unbeaten American fighter opened up about what he wants to achieve in the coming months following his latest victory over Tyron Woodley.
"Some people are asking about my 2022 goals," he said.
"Here they are. 1. Buy Mayweather Promotions and save them from bankruptcy. 2. Hire stylist for Floyd Mayweather. 3. Take selfie with Oprah. 4. Go 2 chiropractor 2 heal back from carrying the sport of boxing."
In the past, Paul has suggested it is "very possible" that he surpasses Floyd Mayweather as the richest fighter ever but buy Mayweather Promotions?
As you can imagine, Paul's outlandish claims picked up plenty of reaction from social media, including a surprise response from Tony Bellew.
He wrote: "You couldn’t carry the jockstrap of a proper BOXER son.. please rephrase point 4!"
Bellew gave his two cents on YouTubers entering the world of boxing in an interview last year.
“It’s wrong what they’re doing to the sport by claiming they are these fighters," Bellew told the BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m okay with you making a few quid, this is all good when they’re all making a few quid and everyone’s making some money.
“But understand, someone’s gonna get hurt doing this and then it’s gonna come back on boxing.
“So you need to take it seriously, boxing is a professional, dangerous, brutal business.
Bellew continued: “Do not mess about and try and think this is showbusiness, it’s cameras, it’s lights, fun and games.
“It ain’t nothing funny about being in the ring with another man who wants to take your head off your neck.
“I’ve been there, I’ve done it. Believe you me, someone will get hurt in one of these fights and that’s when it’ll all come raining down.
“That’s when boxing will be called a joke of a sport, ‘This is a disgrace, this is wrong.’ Just stop it now.”
Topics: Jake Paul, Tony Bellew, Boxing
Jack Kenmare