EDDIE HEARN faced off against Jake Paul, a promotional opponent. He joked that he had'started this mess' when he staged the first fight for YouTubers.
Paul and the Matchroom boss helped to finalize a deal for Katie Taylor's historic women’s super-fight.
Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul in a fight
After the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serano press conference, Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn face off...
Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn February 2, 2022
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@MatchroomBoxing] pic.twitter.com/MBPXk0KEpe
Hearn, an American celebrity, welcomed Hearn into the sport two years ago when he staged his debut against an online opponent 'AnEsonGib.
The pair have now gone head-to-head, quite literally, as they promoted Taylor & Serrano's Madison Square Garden headliner.
Paul, 25, defeated videogamer Gib in one round. He has since become a pay-per view star and 5-0 unbeaten fighter.
Has even called out Conor McGregor (33-year-old UFC champion) and Canelo Alvarez (31-year-old current No1 pound for pound boxer), among others.
Hearn acknowledged that he was responsible for Paul's polarizing splash within sweet science.
On The MMA Hour, he said that he promoted his first fight two years ago. This is how I got into this mess.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALS"I put him up against a YouTuber and the best way that I can describe Jake's personality is to have people say to me, "Do you like Jake Paul?"
"And I say Jake, the terminology in the UK is different. -- plonker, grade-A plonker, dipstick. But I like him.
"I don’t mean that disrespectfully. He's probably on a wind-up half the time. Do you see what I'm referring to?
"Like, he was talking about Canelo today, and I was looking at him and thinking, 'Are your just laughing in the inside?
"And I think it is a little bit of both."
Paul also defeated ex-NBA player Nate Robinson (37), as well as former UFC fighters Ben Askren (37) and Tyron Woodley (39).
Although he has yet to face a pro-boxing opponent, there are plenty of other challengers who want to stop the social media phenomenon.
Hearn said that Paul is "good for boxing" and advised detractors to accept it.
He stated, "I believe fighters, due to what they've sacrificed. Sometimes, Jake Paul will hold it against Jake Paul, and say, "Well, I've been working in the gym for fifteen years!"
"Yeah, but your skills are not up to par and you don't have the same profile as he has.
"Why shouldn’t he be allowed do that?" He has put in the effort in the gym. He has fallen in love with boxing and is a great fighter.
"I believe he brings a new kind of audience."
