Jake Paul has a replacement fighter lined up if Tommy Fury pulls out of their scheduled fight on February 26.
It's fair to say a bout between the pair has been a long time coming. Fury and Paul were scheduled to meet on December 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida but two weeks before the bout, 'TNT' pulled out due to medical reasons.
Fury said a chest infection and broken rib hampered his preparation. In fact, he posted pictures of his x-ray on social media to prove his injuries were legitimate.
"I can't express how disappointed I am and I really do hope we can get this fight rescheduled in the new year," Fury said in a statement. "I want this fight to happen more than anything."
Advert
Seven months later and for a second time, Paul confirmed that his scheduled clash with Fury on August 6 was off.
After confirming his opponent had received a termination notice, the YouTuber-turned-Boxer claimed Fury "literally went into hiding" ahead of fight night.
But now, it finally looks like both men will go head-to-head in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 26, although Jake has prepared for a third cancellation with a replacement – former UFC welterweight and current BKFC fighter Mike Perry.
At a press conference at the weekend, Paul was asked whether he was nervous that Fury might pull out again
“A part of me definitely still doubts," he said. “It’s scary and annoying and him not showing up to the face to face we were supposed to do just now, it sucks and the kid is definitely not reliable.
“But the money is good for him, so he would just be so dumb.
“He’s probably tired of Molly [Fury’s girlfriend] making all the money in the relationship, he’s got a kid now, so he needs to help pay for some diapers.”
Fury then confirmed Perry was ready and waiting for the call. “We have Mike Perry on standby,” he said. “Let’s go Mike Perry! But, yeah, he’s ready to jump in if Tommy pulls out.”
Perry has competed twice in professional boxing, and holds a record of 1-1.
Since leaving the UFC in 2021, the 31-year-old is 2-0 in bare-knuckle boxing, recording wins over Julian Lane and Michael 'Venom' Page.
It now appears Paul is next for experienced fighter Perry, who recently posted a picture of a contract with Paul's name and promotion Most Valuable Promotions inked on it.
Perry was recently asked about the potential match-up with unbeaten boxer Paul.
“I believe it was for mid-February,” Perry told MMA Fighting. “I don’t know what I can and can’t say, [because] I want it to happen, but there was supposed to be a really cool location and that intrigued me.
“I think it happens. If it is mid-February, I’ll be ready. I’m ready this weekend. I’m going to keep working, road work, lift some weights, eat healthy, just keep feeding myself and stay hungry. That’s me. That’s what I do.”
Topics: Jake Paul, Tommy Fury, Boxing, MMA, UFC
Jack Kenmare