After complications stopped Tommy Fury from being able to fight Jake Paul, Hasim Rahman Jr – son of two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman Sr – has stepped in for the highly-anticipated bout.
The rift between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury was well documented. Over the past couple of years, the duo have called each other out on multiple occasions.
They were originally set to fight on December 18 2021, before a medical issue for Fury led to that one being put on ice.
Just last week, Fury pulled out of the rescheduled clash. The pair had agreed to terms for a bout at Madison Square Garden on August 6, but Fury could not enter the USA due to a declined ESTA.
Rahman Jr steps in
Following Fury’s absence, Paul selected Hasim Rahman Jr as his adversary for this clash.
Rahman Jr, like Fury, comes from a boxing family. His father, Hasim Rahman Sr, will forever be remembered for his historic victory over Lennox Lewis in 2001, winning him the unified world titles.
The 12-1 boxer has plenty of experience at the amateur level and represents a tough opponent for Paul, who is yet to fight an actual boxer.
Paul and Rahman Jr face-off
On Tuesday, the opponents held their first press conference ahead of their fight.
What stood out most was the size difference when the pair faced off. Paul is significantly smaller than his opponent.
However, if Paul’s previous fights are anything to go by, the former Disney star will back himself to succeed.
How does Rahman Jr compare to Paul’s previous opponents?
Well, the first clear difference is that Rahman Jr is an actual boxer.
Paul began his career by fighting Youtubers Deji and AnEsonGib.
His clash with Deji was at the amateur level, whereas his clash with AnEsonGib was his first professional fight. Paul passed both tests with flying colours.
Following his professional debut, Paul has faced basketballer Nate Robinson, former MMA fighter Ben Askren, and, most recently, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
In addition, none of Paul’s previous opponents had the size advantage over him that Rahman Jr does.
In facing Rahman Jr, Paul is facing two hurdles he is yet to overcome. But he is not short of confidence and will back himself to defeat his opponent in August.
Featured image credit: Getty