Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry: Filling the Slot

July 20, 2024, was marked to be a significant date in the boxing world, slated for one of the biggest novelty fights since Conor McGregor faced Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

Social media influencer turned boxer Jake Paul was set to face former all-time great Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

However, an ulcer—or perhaps simply the toll of aging—forced Tyson to postpone the match to November, leaving Paul to find a new opponent for the July date. Rising to the occasion, Paul scheduled a bout with mixed martial artist turned bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry.

Paul took to social media to announce the change in plans with a poem:

“1 Mike, 2 Mikes, 3 Mikes, 4,
The fact is every opponent has touched the floor,
5 months until Tyson and I go to war,
So in the meantime me & Perry are going to make Tampa roar,
I fear no man, anytime, anywhere, anyplace,
On July 20th it’s going to be another W, so let us say grace,
For the BKFC champ, who will take a knee,
Then we will go to Ireland and take McGregor’s equity.”

Perry, known for his toughness in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing, responded with enthusiasm on social media:

“We’re set to fight July 20th, I promise to give the world the fight they wanna see! Gonna put the Platinum pressure on the problem child live in Tampa, tickets on sale tomorrow at noon!”

Mike Perry, 32, will be stepping into the boxing ring for the second time. He previously lost to Kenneth McNeil in 2015 but has since refined his striking skills. Perry boasts an impressive 5-0 record in bare-knuckle boxing since starting in 2022, demonstrating his punching prowess and resilience.

Jake Paul, 27, has made a name for himself in the boxing world since turning professional in 2020. With a 9-1 record, Paul has shown that he is serious about the sport, displaying a solid fighting style and genuine knockout power. The Cleveland native’s training and determination have transformed what was initially seen as a publicity stunt into a legitimate boxing career.

Paul and Perry’s match is scheduled for eight rounds in the cruiserweight division at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. The fight will be broadcast live on pay-per-view via the DAZN streaming service, ensuring fans worldwide can witness the bout.

While the postponement of the Tyson fight was a setback, Jake Paul has skillfully navigated the situation, setting up an intriguing fight with Mike Perry. This match not only keeps Paul active but also adds another layer of excitement for boxing fans. With the Tyson bout rescheduled for November, Paul’s performance against Perry will be crucial in maintaining his momentum and credibility in the boxing world.

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