Tony Bellew has given a frank assessment about the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, playing down the capabilities of both men in a recent interview.
Speaking to Ade Oladipo on the DAZN Boxing Show, Bellew broke down some of the technical faults in Paul’s game, particularly when under pressure.
However, the Brit was not spared by the former world champion, who stated he didn’t even envisage Fury going on to win a British title.
“He [Jake Paul] still panics massively when going back, his chin is in the air and there’s a few fundamental flaws there.
But he’s getting in there and he’s having a go. Make no mistake, Tommy isn’t this great prospect – he’s not even going to win a British title.
This isn’t about two guys who could go on and win a world title.“
Fight night is less than three weeks away, as months of bad blood and social media taunting will come to a head at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Many feel the pressure going into the contest lays firmly on the shoulders of Fury, and even dad John and brother Tyson have publicly told him to “stay in Saudi Arabia” should he fail to defeat the brash YouTuber.
This is only exasperated by the fact Fury has already pulled out of two dates with Paul; once due to injury then on a second occasion after being denied entry into the United Staes.
There is a view that this will be the toughest test of both young stars’ careers to date, with Fury having mainly faced journeyman whilst Paul has opted to take on predominately former MMA fighters thus far.