Eddie Hearn has been vocal about Jake Paul in the past, even describing him as ‘average’ in a recent interview, and ahead of the YouTube star’s first real test against a legitimate pro boxer, the promoter has questioned the WBC’s decision to allow him to move into their top 40 rankings with a win this weekend.
Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn have shared a prickly relationship in recent years, with the latter even suing Paul for $100 million after accusing Matchroom Boxing of bribing a judge in the second Anthony Joshua vs Oleksanr Usyk fight.
Legal proceedings are still ongoing according to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, but despite their differences the pair have also worked together in the past while promoting Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano.
With Paul finally set to face Fury this Sunday after two failed attempts, Eddie Hearn recently gave his take on the long-awaited meeting, and had seemingly set aside any personal feelings towards the American by tipping him to edge the contest.
Speaking to the MMA Hour show, Hearn said when questioned if Paul defeats Fury: “I think he probably does. They’re about the same kind of level.
“On paper, Tommy Fury should beat him easily, but then you watch Tommy Fury and you think, ‘Well actually, you’re not very good either.’
However, he has since rowed back on his initial prediction, saying that although the American will win the mental battle, he now expects Fury to prevail victorious.
Speaking to Boxing UK, Hearn said: “I’m quite looking forward to it.
“I did think that Jake Paul would win the fight, but I think I’ve changed my mind.”
However, he has bemoaned the decision taken by the WBC to allow Paul to be ranked in the cruiserweight top 40, should he be victorious on Sunday night. Although he admitted that a win for Paul would be a statement for his boxing career, he couldn’t help but hide his true feelings, saying that publicity is at the centre of it all.
“Sometimes governing bodies have to live in that commercial world as well. Tommy Fury’s a proper fighter and Jake Paul would make a statement if he won that fight.
“Not a statement that he can challenge for a world title, but, ultimately, there’s a little bit of publicity in there.
“Is it right? Not really. Because there’s fighters that deserve to be in the top 15 much more than Jake Paul, but it’s the world we live in.”
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