Jake Paul enjoys attention in the sport of boxing from both supporters and detractors – and the latter camp have accused him of fixing fights in the past.
Whilst there’s no evidence whatsoever to substantiate the claims, big names from combat sports including MMA fighters Paddy Pimblett and Dillon Danis have voiced the theory.
Paul has called their comments ‘pathetic’ and ‘stupid’, as well as pointing out how many people would have to be involved for it to be the case – including broadcasters.
The American YouTuber-turned-fighter has made a name for himself by fighting retired UFC stars, most recently Anderson Silva, but looks set to step in the ring with Tommy Fury, half-brother of the current WBC heavyweight champion of the world.
In a recent interview with Rob Moore, Fury was asked about the theories surrounding Paul’s opponents taking dives. Whilst he couldn’t comment on past fights, he was certain that their own bout had nothing unsavoury in the details.
“I don’t know. I’m not there on negotiations [for other fighters]. I don’t see the contract. I don’t know. But there’s nothing in my contract for the two previous fights that were scheduled. There was nothing like that. You couldn’t pay me a trillion pounds to take a dive.”
“Money’s not my god. Money’s nice – it makes the world go round, but it’s not everything.”
This will be the pairs’ third attempt at fighting one another, with the previous two cancelled due to issues on Fury’s side.
Whilst no official announcement has been made, there have been strong rumours that the bout will be a ten-round cruiserweight affair in Saudi Arabia on February 25 – Paul though recently cast doubt on those reports whilst not offering much context.