With Tommy Fury out, Jake Paul has seemingly found his next opponent, with various outlets reporting that Hasim Rahman Jr will step in to save the day.
Despite fans around the globe stocking up on popcorn in anticipation of finally watching the most eagerly-anticipated grudge match in boxing, they’ve all had to accept the reality that it isn’t happening.
The fight looked destined for August 6, but the Brit couldn’t enter America due to a declined ESTA. This has ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the bout and a large portion of the boxing public aiming their frustrations at Fury.
This isn’t necessarily fair. If you can’t legally travel across the pond, there isn’t a lot you can do. However, after releasing a video in which he said he’d go to the embassy to try and resolve the issue, the 23-year-old went silent.
In response, Paul posted a tweet in which he suggested he tried to help his rival get into the country. Therefore, the social media icon has seemingly secured a new foe.
Jake Paul allegedly selects new opponent
Throughout his ventures into the ring, the YouTuber has yet to tango with an actual boxer. However, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, that’s about to change. Paul will collide with Rahman Jr in an intriguing collision.
Like Fury, The 12-1 fighter, who’s operated at heavyweight, comes from a fighting family. His father, Hasim Rahman Sr, made history by knocking Lennox Lewis out cold in 2001 for the unified world titles.
However, unlike Paul’s previous opponent, he has an extensive amateur background. Granted, his resume in the professional game isn’t sensational, and he lost via KO in his last contest, but on paper, he’s the ex-Disney star’s toughest test.
The pair have shared a plethora of sparring rounds, suggesting that Paul has selected an opponent he’s comfortable with.
Should the 25-year-old emerge victorious, there’s no guarantee he fights Fury next. Having now pulled out twice, the Love Island runner-up has faced backlash, despite it not necessarily being his fault.
In the aftermath of Paul’s tweet, he took to Instagram to make a statement.
He said: “I’m gutted and disappointed in regards to the issues I have faced with entry into the USA. This is something that myself or my team could have never anticipated happening. This situation has been left with my lawyers as being denied entry to a country is obviously a very serious issue and it needs to subsequently be resolved.
“I am confident this fight will happen when this issue gets resolved and we come to a solution. I want to clarify that I will fight in a neutral country that both parties can enter. This can be any time, any place, anywhere.”
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