Jake Paul has reignited his feud with Conor McGregor with an offer to box in Dublin in the second half of the year.
The Irish UFC sensation has been atop Paul’s list of ideal opponents ever since he entered the fighting space after building a huge global following on YouTube.
He’s been unsuccessful in his attempts to drag McGregor into a war of words so far, but hasn’t given up hope. His latest is to attempt to capitalise on the connection of a fighter he promotes – Amanda Serrano – being expected to face Ireland’s Katie Taylor later later this year after Taylor beat her in 2022.
In order to navigate the complications of a stadium fight in the country that hasn’t seen big-time boxing for a long time, McGregor offered to cover some security costs and has had productive meetings with promoter Eddie Hearn since.
Paul offered to fight him on the undercard of the event.
“I’m a better boxer than you Connor and will do what you couldn’t and knock Nate out. After Nate let’s box as the co main event same night as Katie Taylor VS. Amanda Serrano in Dublin.
But since you’re not your own boss you will hide behind Dana or just drink the rest of your life away. August 5th you will see.”
Im a better boxer than you Connor and will do what you couldn’t and knock Nate out. After Nate let’s box as the co main event same night as Katie Taylor VS. Amanda Serrano in Dublin. But since you’re not your own boss you will hide behind Dana or just drink the rest of your life…
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) April 23, 2023
McGregor has had one pro boxing bout – a 10th round stoppage loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr to become the 50th scalp on the hall-of-famer’s perfect record.
Paul is 6-1 as a fighter, beating three former MMA stars – one twice – before coming up against a young boxer in Tommy Fury and taking his first loss.
Rather than rematch Fury, he announced he would fight Nate Diaz, also of UFC fame and a two-time opponent of McGregor’s (1-1). A natural step in his combat sports voyage has always been facing the Irishman, and it would be a big money bout like few others.
Having said that, McGregor is expected to mount a return to the UFC. Whether Paul can tempt – goad, rather – him away from that remains to be seen.
As for the timing, Taylor must first beat Chantelle Cameron to keep hopes of the Serrano rematch alive. The May 20 championship fight will her first fight at home in a seven-year career.