Tommy Fury will be replaced by Hasim Rahman Jr as Jake Paul's next opponent after missing his deadline to save their August fight.
The British fighter, whose brother is world heavyweight champion Tyson, has once again been forced out of a fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, this time due to a travel ban. He was unable to fly to America to launch their fight at a press conference last week, resulting in a scramble to find a new opponent.
Fury had signed a contract believed to be worth around $2million for the August 6 fight and was given until today to prove he would be able to meet his commitment. But Mirror Fighting broke the news yesterday that Rahman was set to step in, with official confirmation expected tomorrow.
In confirming the news, Paul tweeted: "Fury’s received a termination notice. Most Valuable Promotions did everything it could to help him and [his] team. He wasn’t interested and he literally went into hiding. Second time in a row he has pulled out. Second time in a row I’m going to step up and take on a new opponent on short notice."
Fury's father John is also banned from travelling to America due to an issue relating to his criminal record and wanted the fight moved to allow Tommy to travel with his team, although Fury fought Anthony Taylor in August last year without any of his regular corner.
Paul had offered to move the fight to the UK, under the caveat that Fury's promoter Frank Warren would put up a $15m purse to account for the money he would lose by bringing the bout from America. Paul is promoting the event under his Most Valuable Promotions banner, which he runs with manager Nakisa Bidarian.
Who do you think will win; Jake Paul or Hasim Rahman Jr? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
This is the second time Fury has pulled out of a proposed bout with Paul. The pair agreed to a lucrative fight deal for December 18 last year at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida but the Brit pulled out with a rib injury and was replaced by former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
The fight card is also set to feature a world title fight at featherweight between Amanda Serrano and Brenda Carabajal. Prospect Ashton Sylve is also expected to fight, though no opponent has been named.
