JAKE PAUL spent $20,000 on a custom diamond “knockout ring” featuring a taunting message he planned on wearing after destroying Tommy Fury in their since-cancelled fight.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been engaged in an increasingly-hostile war of words with the younger brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson for several years.
A fight between the pair was scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 6.
But it fell through in July after the 23-year-old unbeaten prospect couldn’t get a US visa.
That came after Fury pulled out of a scheduled bout in December with a broken rib.
To add insult to injury, a fight against Fury’s replacement Hasim Rahman Jr was also cancelled just days before the event after he failed to make the agreed weight.
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While Paul – who is unbeaten in five fights – has been keen to voice his frustration at the delays, he didn’t let it get in the way of his plans to celebrate in style, revealed his jeweller.
Alex Vobara, 33, whose fans also include Diddy’s kids, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross, revealed that Jake personally reached out to his firm VOBARA about creating a “custom-made ring” ahead of the bout.
Alex – whose firm is based in Miami, Florida – explained: “He initially wanted a ring that said ‘KO’ on it but after going back and forth and brainstorming we came up with the ‘zzz’ concept.
“He liked it because he’s been putting people to sleep with his knockouts.
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“Jake picked it up last Saturday (August 6) – the day he was meant to fight.
“When he was in my shop, I put him and Rick Ross on FaceTime and they were discussing the state of boxing.
“Ross was saying how a lot of fighters are scared to fight Jake and he gave him respect for being a great fighter.
“Jake was all good but you could tell he was frustrated about what happened with both fights.”
Vobara added: “He wants to prove himself and did everything possible to achieve that.
“He said that Hassim, Tommy and everyone else who cancels is just scared to get knocked out by a ‘non-credible’ YouTube boxer.
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“They do him down on social media but are not willing to face the backlash when he knocks them out.
“Jake has always put his money where his mouth is and isn’t afraid to fight anyone so you got to give the guy his dues for putting himself out there.”
Vobara said the $20,000 (£16,600) ring took more than 20 hours to make and features 250 VVS high-quality diamonds sitting on 14k solid white gold.
He explained: “Jake wanted something that matches his personality.
“He’s a very outgoing guy and the ring 100 per cent reflects that.
“With the three Zs getting progressively bigger and the diamonds constantly reflecting the light it catches your eye the moment you see it.
It’s a piece that leaves an impression, just like Jake which is why he liked it so much
Alex Vobara
“It’s the sort of piece that leaves an impression, just like Jake which is why I think he liked it so much.”
Alex has been selling jewellery since high school and achieved widespread success with his patented Apple Watch pendants.
The Miami man revealed that before he left The Problem Child hinted that he had another fight in the pipeline.
Paul wouldn’t reveal who it was but SunSport revealed he has pencilled in an October return to the ring.
The jeweller – who is the nephew of Jacob Arabo the founder of international brand Jacob and Co – spoke as Fury and Paul inched closer to finally settling their rivalry in the ring.
The American is tipped to taunt the Love Island star next month when he flies to England to watch Amanda Serrano fight IBF title-holder Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester.
And Fury has also said that their fight will still happen.
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Earlier this month, he told VIP Boxing Promotions: “Both of us know, it’s too far gone for it not to happen.
“It’s been back and forth for a long time and in this game you need a dance partner.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
