EDDIE HEARN has weighed in on Jake Paul’s imminent fight with Tommy Fury and revealed who he “frighteningly” makes a “big favourite.”
The celebrity boxing rivals are set to announce the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, slated for February 25 in Saudi Arabia
BT SportTommy Fury and Jake Paul are set to fight on February 25[/caption]
Eddie Hearn at the OVO Arena Wembley in OctoberSportsfile
And despite their rocky relationship, Hearn has backed Paul to win, even though he is the more inexperienced on paper.
He told iFL TV: “I think it’s a good fight. Frighteningly, I make Jake quite a big favourite in the fight. But I think it’s a good fight.
“If that was a – I can’t say if that was a boxing match because it is a boxing match – but that is like a sort-of 50/50 fight.
“Talk about levels, a good fight for an undercard. It just so happens Jake Paul is a huge name and built a great profile.
“And Tommy Fury is a big name as well so they can do a main-event and make a load of money. And I think it’s quite an interesting fight.”
The two are now trying to settle their score in the ring for the THIRD time.
Fury, 23, was forced to pull out in December 2021 due to a rib injury and then last August amid a US visa issue.
The travel woe still persists today, which left the UK and Middle East as frontrunners to host the bitter bout.
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Paul, 26, even offered to travel to Manchester on February 18 and fight Fury on enemy territory.
But a more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia a week later was proposed and looks to have won the race.
Fury last boxed in Dubai in November in a last-minute exhibition against Rolly Lambert, 33.
And Paul was a special guest commentator and slammed the six-round bout from ringside.
It came a month after the American beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 46, over eight rounds.
Silva became the third ex-MMA champion Paul has beaten, behind Ben Askren, 38, and Tyron Woodley, 40.
And with Fury facing largely only journeyman opposition – common for any prospect at the start of their careers – Hearn believes Paul is a greater threat.
He said: “Jake Paul – and this is quite worrying – is levels above any fighter Tommy Fury’s ever boxed – shows you his resume.
“But I’ve watched some of Tommy, he hasn’t looked very good recently. But can he fight? I dunno.
“If he can fight and he’s actually a genuine prospect, he’ll beat Jake. If he’s not very good, he’ll get beat. But I like it. I quite like the fight.”
Jake Paul and promoter Eddie Hearn in New York last yearSportsfile Read More