Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned professional boxer, is set to face UFC veteran turned bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry in an eight-round boxing match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on July 20.
The fight will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view. The matchup pits Paul’s professional boxing experience against Perry’s combat sports background in a 200-pound contest, creating significant pre-fight hype.
In a pre-fight interview, Paul and Perry engaged in a heated exchange, showcasing a mix of professional critique and playful banter. Paul confidently claimed superiority, highlighting his sharpness, power, and ability to exploit Perry’s weaknesses, while acknowledging Perry’s violent prowess.
Perry, however, dismissed Paul’s past victories over aging MMA fighters and asserted that he is now in his prime, having honed his skills through tough UFC battles.
As the conversation continued, the fighters transitioned from serious critique to more lighthearted, trash-talking banter. Perry mocked Paul’s physical condition and promised to exploit his perceived “green tendencies.”
Paul, preparing for a future bout with Mike Tyson, jokingly referred to the fight against Perry as a “Mike appetizer,” indicating his confidence and readiness.
The interview also touched on their past sparring session, with disagreements about its length adding to the tension. Perry’s assertion that he enjoys both delivering and receiving punches set the stage for a potentially brutal fight, while Paul maintained his confidence in his own abilities and preparation.
Despite the banter and bravado, both fighters showed a level of mutual respect and anticipation for the fight. Perry’s colorful threats and Paul’s playful responses added to the pre-fight excitement, culminating in the fighters’ commitment to settle their differences in the ring on July 20.
