"Stop falling in love" - Eddie Hearn and Ariel Helwani engage in friendly banter over Mike Perry's chances against Jake Paul
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn isn't optimistic about Mike Perry's chances against Jake Paul in their upcoming July 20 fight. Hearn, unfamiliar with Perry's fighting style, highlighted the significant size difference between the two.
Perry, primarily a welterweight, will be facing Paul at a catchweight of 200 pounds. Paul, known for fighting smaller opponents, has previously defeated UFC veterans Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.
Downplaying Perry's potential against the larger Paul, Hearn said on The MMA Hour:
"He's got absolutely no chance"
Hearn then took a playful jab at Helwani, referencing a past prediction.
"Ariel, you told me Francis Ngannou was going to beat Anthony Joshua... Stop falling in love with your UFC fighters." [24:15]
Eddie Hearn opens up on his relationship with Jake Paul amid ongoing lawsuit
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul have a contentious history, currently embroiled in a defamation lawsuit. Despite this, Hearn offered a surprisingly cordial account of their recent encounter in Puerto Rico.
Hearn and Paul, who co-promoted the April fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, have been at odds since Paul accused Hearn of fixing the judges' decision in Taylor's favor. Hearn responded with a lawsuit, which remains ongoing.
However, during a visit to Puerto Rico for the Liam Paro vs. Subriel Matias fight, Hearn encountered Paul at his resort residence. Appearing in the same interview, Hearn said:
“I was having dinner in the hotel that I was staying at, it’s actually where he lives on the resort... I was just having dinner and I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around and it was Jake.”
He added:
“It was alright. He seemed quite pleasant. Just had a little chat, I said you’re welcome to the show tomorrow, and that was it, really. … We’ve still got issues, but I’m always open for a chat.” [25:oo]
Check out the interaction between Ariel Helwani and Eddie Hearn below: