ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 17: Jake Paul celebrates after defeating Ben Askren in their cruiserweight bout during Triller Fight Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for Triller)
One of the biggest draws in boxing in 2022 is YouTube star, Jake Paul. His August 6 matchup in Madison Square Garden is one of the highly anticipated bouts this year, so when his opponent Tommy Fury decided to withdraw last week, there was a cloud of uncertainty that hung over Paul’s boxing future due to the short notice.
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However, a replacement has been found. Hasim Rahman Jr. has stepped in to replace Fury and fight Paul on August 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The match will be an eight-round exhibition contested at 200 pounds and will be broadcasted on Showtime Pay-per-View.
The bout comes in the wake of criticism from fans that Paul does not fight real boxers, but rather just older MMA fighters and athletes in other sports. Paul believes that Rahman will be a better opponent and will prove a better challenge than Fury would be, “I’m literally crazy,” Paul said. “There’s no reason why I should be taking this fight. … I want to prove to the boxing world that I’m a real dog, which I am. And I’m gonna go in there against this 12-1 kid who is bigger than Tommy Fury, faster than Tommy Fury – all of these things. And I’m gonna put on the performance of a lifetime and just shut everyone up.”
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Rahman Jr. is the son of the former heavyweight champion of the same name, although not well known, he still provides a tough challenge for Paul. The YouTuber’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian told the media that he advised Paul to not take the fight with Rahman. Paul’s brother Logan Paul and Amanda Serrano, who is slated to box in the double event with Paul on Aug. 6, also told him to postpone the card.
“I don’t see the benefit of doing the fight at this stage, given all the other opportunities that are there for Jake. He can prove himself against a 6-0 boxer or a 5-0 boxer, someone who is just there to build their record to lose to someone like Jake. That’s not what he wanted; he wanted to truly challenge himself. Him and his coaching team believe that they can beat Hasim Rahman Jr. They believe they can finish Hasim Rahman Jr.” Bidarian said.
Paul has previously defeated UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, MMMA Champion Ben Askren and retired NBA player Nate Robinson.
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