By: Sean Crose
Former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman is clearly not a man to pull his punches, literally or physically. “My son has been really underwhelming and not well prepared for most of his fights,” he said Tuesday, “but he will be ready for this one.” These words, uttered during a press conference to promote his son – Hasim Rahman Jr -‘s fight on August 6 with rising social media star turned boxer Jake Paul, are what surprising.
Paul, who, like Rahman Jr, couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity that Rahman Sr. given. “What the hell?” he laughs. “It gets your kids to the workday.” However, the younger Rahman was ready with a quick response. “Put your boots and gloves on on August 6th,” he said, “because I can get you out of both.” The press conference was at least interesting.
While it’s true that Paul’s sport of choice is boxing, it’s clear the man is looking to replace UFC star Conor McGregor as combat sport’s biggest heel. Paul even posted a video ahead of Tuesday’s press conference where he spoke directly to McGregor – whom he is presumably vindictive – in person. “This is my game,” he told McGregor. “There is a new king in town. I’m on the run now. ”
Perhaps it’s best, though, for Paul to focus on Rahman Jr, who will be the only person he’s ever faced in the ring who hasn’t made his professional debut (saving, of course, former UFC star Tyrone Woodley, who, of course, isn’t. Paul defeated in both Woodley’s first and second Ring appearances). “I came here to finish this facade,” Rahman Jr said of Paul, “that he is calling a career.”
To be sure, 12-1 Rahman was at least able to resist Paul’s mind games, which Paul might not have expected. “It must have barked at the wrong tree,” he said. Then to Paul: “I’ll fuck you.”
The truth is that Paul was supposed to fight Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, on August 6. However, Fury was not allowed into the US for unclear reasons, and so Paul turned to Rahman, the son of another heavyweight king. “He thinks he’s a friend,” Paul told senior Rahman. “And that’s his biggest mistake… I’m ending that whole butt legacy.”
The Paul-Rahman fight will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York and be broadcast live on Showtime Pay Per View.
