Tyson Fury has touched down in Saudi Arabia to support his brother, Tommy, in his catchweight fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul.
The 185lb eight-rounder has attracted the attention of the likes of Mike Tyson and Devin Haney, and is perhaps so marketable because of the confidence of the two competitors and what’s at stake should they lose.
With huge social media followings comes huge pressure, and there’s no doubt that the loser – especially if defeat comes by knockout – won’t live it down anytime soon.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Tyson first joked that he would be disowning his brother from the Fury clan if he loses – perhaps comfortable enough to keep saying it because he can’t see it happening.
“If Tommy can’t beat Jake Paul, then Tommy doesn’t have any right being a boxer either … He’s getting disowned, don’t you worry about that. Disowned! Nah, listen – Tommy will knock him out. There’s not one doubt in my mind.”
On the fact that many in the sport are siding with Paul to take the victory, the WBC World Heavyweight Champion believes that could be for one of two reasons – jealousy or delusion.
“I see all these so-called top boxers picking Jake Paul to win. I’m not sure if it’s jealousy because they don’t make money and Tommy’s making millions in his [ninth] fight, or if they’re really deluded that much.”
The boxing world seems split down the middle as to who wins, the unknown being a big part of the hype for the event.
With both fighters predicting an early stoppage, fans can expect action from the first – how skilful and impressive that action will be, nobody knows.
The weigh-ins are now ticked off and all that remains is fight night on Sunday in Saudi.