THE moment Tommy Fury’s dad John and Jake Paul’s manager shook hands over a deal to fight was perfectly captured.
Fury’s father and coach John claimed he verbally struck a deal with Paul’s manager Nakisa Bidarian over a bout in February.
John Paul shaking hands with Jake Paul’s manager Nakisa Bidarian
The YouTuber-turned boxer was a special guest commentator at the Coca-Cola Arena as Fury boxed late replacement Rolly Lambert in an exhibition.
Paul, 25, heckled from ringside and the two later clashed post-fight with security having to restrain them as their rivalry hit new heights.
But amongst the carnage, John and Bidarian were captured exchanging words and soon after shook hands.
John later said: “Contracts mean nothing to me but a handshake does and my word, you can build a tower block on it.
“He’s given me his word, his manager, we fight in February.”
Paul publicly stated online that he is ready to travel to the UK to face Fury at the third time of asking.
And he has given his celebrity boxing rival just seven days to return a signed contract by.
Paul tweeted: “I agree to fight Tommy in Manchester or London in February.
“I’ll come to his country, no more running. His baby is due then and you’ve said it’s no issue.
“Since John is adamant we’ve agreed, I am giving you seven days to present a signed contract by Tommy or I’m moving on.”
Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions company revealed they will pay their man while Frank Warren will take care of Fury’s financials.
MVP posted: “John Fury has asked for February. Jake Paul has agreed.
“All that is needed now is for Frank Warren to get Tommy Fury to sign. MVP is paying Jake Paul and Frank Warren is paying Tommy Fury.”
Hall of Fame promoter Warren reckons the seven-day deadline is enough time to get a deal over the line.
He said on talkSPORT: “It will probably be in late February or March.
“The reason why it didn’t go [before], the contracts were all signed, because of the problems he had with the US immigration.
“We are all past that now. Jake is up for coming over here and we have to get the deal finalised in the next week or so.”
Twice the famous boxing foes have signed to fight but both times Fury, 23, was withdrawn.
He suffered a rib injury last December and then was pulled out in the rehashed date in August amid a US visa issue, which still persists.
Tommy Fury and Jake Paul have agreed to fight in February
