HASIM RAHMAN JR was afraid of Jake Paul sparring and losing his pay.
They will fight at New York's Madison Square Garden on August 6.
Jake Paul & Hasim Rahman Jr. have sparred before
They have sparred twice before, and this isn't their first time sharing a ring.
The second time Paul, 25, released the heated footage after the session has been covered extensively.
Rahman, 31 years old, claims he was given strict instructions to keep his mouth shut or risk losing his $100-per round wage.
On The MMA Hour, he said: "I didn’t come to beat up you, or to find out if you were even at my level, and if you were ready to take on this level.
"I was actually asked by your coaches to not knock you out. I was told that if he knocked me out, I would most likely not get paid.
It was during the pandemic. It cost $100 per round, so it was simple work sparring. It was something I couldn't throw away."
Before his two first professional wins, Paul faced Rahman, defeating YouTuber "AnEsonGib", and Nate Robinson (38).
Later, he defeated former MMA champions Tyron Woodley, 41, and Ben Askren, 37.
Tommy Fury was his opponent online, and he was due to fight him then.
Fury, 23 years old, was unable fight due to a US visa problem. He had been forced out last year after suffering a rib injury.
Rahman was ready to fight Paul, and he did so in a 14-ton 4lb cruiserweight bout that lasted eight rounds.
Jake Paul will face Hasim Rahman Jr. on August 6
