Third time may not be a charm for Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, who still struggle to organise a face off in the ring.
Despite both fighters apparent enthusiasm for the bout to be made, the third round of negotiations has been muddied by the involvement of Global Titans – the promotional company who have handled Floyd Mayweather’s recent events and Fury’s latest exhibition fight.
Global Titans released a statement confirming that they had sent an offer to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions for a fight in early 2023. The company made headlines recently for reportedly providing Fury and a potential opponent, Paul Bamba, with separate contracts that specified different weights.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/xpY0F1oKgz
— Global Titans Fight Series (@GlobalTitansFS) November 23, 2022
Bamba looked to be compensated for weighing in around 7lb less than Fury, but was instead removed from the card without, he claims, pay or travel covered.
The American fighter joined the conversation, warning Paul of who he may be getting into business with.
“Jake Paul, they don’t pay, and they treat fighters very badly. I know you won’t have the money issues with them but others will down the road. You’ll be co-signing them if you do it.”
@jakepaul they don’t pay , and they treat fighters very badly. I know you won’t have the money issues with them but others will down the road. You’ll be co-signing them if you do it
— Paul Bamba (@PaulLABamba) November 23, 2022
Paul, who is keen to build a reputation as someone who fights for the rights of the competitors in combat sports, responded, refusing to work with Global Titans until Bamba was compensated.
“One thing I’m never going to do is do business with people who don’t treat fighters well. Pay Paul Bamba.”
One thing I’m never going to do is do business with people who don’t treat fighters well. Pay Paul Bamba. https://t.co/wWIiW1Ubcb
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 23, 2022
So forget deadlines and locations, the Fury – Paul fight now seems to hang in the balance over a different matter entirely.
There has been no official response from the fighter, Global Titans, or indeed Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, who very recently said they were in talks with Paul.