"YouTuber-turned-boxer" Jake Paul (29) is preparing another mega fight.
British outlet Sports Bible reported on the 15th (Korean time) that Paul announced his next opponent had been confirmed on the condition of a $200 million fight purse (about 300 billion won). It reported that he said he discussed a bout with "four-division world champion" Canelo Álvarez despite ongoing concerns about his health.
Paul is currently recovering from a fractured jaw. He suffered a sixth-round, 1 minute 31 second knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, the 2012 London Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist, in December last year. Paul, who had been knocked down twice in the fifth round, was finally floored after taking a straight right hand to the jaw from Joshua and could not get up.
At the time Paul left saying, "It definitely feels like my jaw is broken," and was admitted to the hospital. The diagnosis showed his jaw was fractured in two places, split into three pieces. Paul was quickly taken into surgery and had two titanium plates inserted. He also had some teeth removed and had to eat only liquids for a while.
Still, Paul earned an enormous amount of money as the price for his shattered jaw. Foreign media reported that the purse for his fight with Joshua amounted to a staggering £137 million (about 274.8 billion won). Paul took home half of that, a huge sum of £68.5 million (about 137.4 billion won). Considering the fight lasted 989 seconds, he earned nearly 140 million won per second.
Since then Paul has been focusing on recovery but was not even sure he could return to the ring. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani he said, "In a few days I will have additional tests to check the recovery of my jaw area. I have to wait for the doctors' opinions. By then I should know more precisely when I can return."
Paul added, "Can I fight again? Of course there is a good chance," and said, "I'm getting better by the day, but I need the doctor's clearance to spar. I'm keeping my conditioning and continuing mitt work. I'm always at the gym."
But just two days later shocking news emerged. Paul suddenly hinted that he had discussed a $200 million fight with Canelo. Born in 1990, Canelo is still widely recognized as one of the top fighters in modern boxing and is hugely popular commercially. His career record stands at 68 fights, 63 wins and 5 losses.
On a live broadcast Paul said, "Canelo wants $200 million. Canelo, I have $200 million for you. Very easy money. Jake vs. Canelo, let's make it happen. It's the fight fans have been waiting for. It will be the biggest fight in boxing history."
He also said, "Canelo agreed over the phone. So we're going to make this happen," adding, "I have $200 million ready. This will probably be the next fight. Sign the contract. I respect you, Canelo. Let's make the biggest fight in boxing history."
Meanwhile Paul and Canelo have already traded barbs several times. Last year Canelo warned fans not to give Paul attention and drew a line by saying he only fights "real fighters." It remains to be seen whether his mind will change even for the astronomical $200 million purse.
[Photo] Jake Paul, Happy Punch social media.
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