Jake Paul still has doubts over Tommy Fury pulling out of their fight on 26 February with MMA fighter Mike Perry on standby to replace him.
Paul vs Fury was confirmed this week with the two coming face-to-face for the first time in a heated confrontation on the Anthony Yarde vs Artur Beterbiev card in London on Saturday night.
Security separated the pair before they exchanged trash talk in the middle of the ring with a rivalry that has rumbled for almost two years now set to be decided in Saudi Arabia next month.
But having seen the bout fall through twice already, Paul is wary of more drama unfolding before the opening bell.
‘A part of me definitely still doubts,’ Paul said, BBC Sport report.
‘It’s scary and it’s annoying, and the kid’s not necessarily reliable but the money’s good, for him, so he would be just so dumb.’
Paul claims Perry, who left the UFC two years ago after a string of defeats, is ready and waiting to step in should plans change.
‘He’s ready to jump in, in case Tommy pulls out,’ Paul confirmed.
Fury and Paul have seen their proposed fight fall through twice in the last 13 months with the former Love Island star forced to withdraw from their original bout in December 2021 after suffering a broken rib and a bacterial infection.
A re-arranged date last August at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden also fell by the wayside after Fury was unable to travel to the US due to a visa issue.
Tommy’s father John, who has been heavily involved in the build-up to the long-awaited scrap, recently praised Paul for stepping up and insists he will be the first man to shake his hand should he beat his son.
‘After the fight, whoever wins, it will be a handshaking job, a pat on the back well done. Deep down, that is what the Furys are about, especially John Fury, the best man wins and gets his hand shook,’ Fury Snr told Metro.co.uk.
‘If Jake Paul can beat Tommy, I will be the first one to pat him on the back and give him the height of respect. Up close and personal.’
Fury Snr continued: ‘The best man will win. I don’t think Jake Paul has got a chance. I really don’t. Looking at his past performances and who he is has been boxing, Tommy is a far cry. Another level.
MORE : ‘We are ready to go’ – John Fury confirms Tommy Fury will fight Jake Paul on 25 February
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