Tommy Fury and Jake Pauls’ eight round catchweight contest in Saudi Arabia was one of the most financially successful boxing events of the year so far – and the pair are contracted to do it again.
The rematch clause was on Paul’s side, who lost on points to Fury despite knocking the Brit down in the final round.
For many fans, it exposed the American’s boxing skills as novice and ended any talk of a true campaign in the sport. Paul claimed to want to change that view with a second fight, but Fury told TalkSPORT that it’s been silent ever since his win – perhaps realising he wasn’t as good as he thought he was.
“Nope. Not once [has he been in contact.] I think I saw a tweet the other day that he wants to run it back in a year’s time, but as far as I’m concerned we were meant to be running it back a few months later.
He was in the middle of the ring saying ‘I’m here for the rematch, that’ll be my next fight.’ Obviously he’s gone away, watched it, and thought ‘maybe I’m not that good yet.’ So he’s silent.”
Fury said that when he was done with the likes of Paul, his brother Logan and UK superstar KSI – whom he is rumoured to fight next – he will move back to traditional boxing to pursue world titles.
Paul has booked a fight with another MMA fighter in the meantime, looking to get back to winning ways. He will face Nate Diaz on August 5 in Texas under the guidance of Shane Mosley as his head trainer.
If the Fury fight is in his plans for next year, it’s expected that all involved will sign for it quickly given the financial rewards on offer.