JAKE PAUL blasted Tommy Fury as an “idiot” after claiming he turned down a rematch on Netflix – a deal Mike Tyson subsequently accepted.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul faces heavyweight boxing icon Tyson in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.
And it marks Netflix’s first move into live boxing following behind-the-scenes talks with Paul.
The American, 27, revealed he initially wanted Fury – the only man to beat him in the ring – as the opponent for the inaugural streaming event.
But Paul accused Fury, 24, of pricing himself out and forcing him to look in the direction of Iron Mike.
He said on his podcast: “Most Valuable Promotions, me and (business partner) Nakisa, had been trying to find the right fight, the right timeframe, the right event.
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“And we knew we wanted to target this summer so we just started making calls.
“We called Tommy Fury, was one of the names, and and he said no, he wanted more money.
“And so now, and it’s all serendipitous, he’s probably punching the f***ing air now realising how big of a mistake he made, I mean, he’s an idiot.”
Paul was beaten on a split-decision by Fury in Saudi Arabia last year but boasted of earning £25m while doing so.
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He has since bounced back with three wins before announcing his shock showdown with 57-year-old Tyson.
Fury meanwhile beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 30, in October but he had to undergo hand surgery to mend an injury right after.
But still Paul blasted the 2019 Love Islander and insisted their even money deal is now no longer on the table.
He said: “Literally, the next offer for him is like nothing, basically. And my brand only increases to a whole other level.
“We probably would’ve been like 50/50 for that fight and now it’s like after this, and who knows what I’m going to do, it’s like Tommy I’m sorry buddy, you’re like a 10 per center now.
“But you really did f*** up.”
Paul said after Fury’s snub talks were still ongoing before he switched his focus to Tyson.
The Baddest Man on The Planet retired in 2005 but did return in 2020 to draw over eight exhibition rounds with fellow great Roy Jones Jr.
And after five months of talks, the deal was signed off. The exact rules and regulations, such as whether it will be sanctioned or an exhibition, are yet to be announced.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
