An off-camera conversation between Youtube star Jake Paul and Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has caused tensions.Doing what he does best at promoting boxing matches saw Hearn ringside with Paul as they co-promoted Katie Taylorâs split decision win over Amanda Serrano in New York.Taylorâs win was immediately shadowed by Hearnâs comments about Paulâs boxing career. The British promoter labelled Paul as an âaverageâ boxer, making many headlines during fight week. Talking to the MMA Hour, Hearn said: âThe problem is I wonât be disrespectful, but at the same time, Iâm not gonna brown nose him because Iâm just gonna be honest.âSo Iâm saying that youâre an average professional fighter, thatâs a massive compliment.âThe Englishman is set to be promoting a two new year deal bout between Canelo Ãlvarez, who will take on Dmitry Bivol for his WBA light-heavyweight world title in Las Vegas this Saturday.
Paul is eager to build up his brand and boxing career within the sport, and Hearn also stated: âThis is a guy [Jake] who, he would say to me off camera, âIn two years Iâll beat Canelo.â
âAnd Iâll sort of look around for a camera and realise there isnât one, and I think âWow.ââ
Hearn was asked about whether he believes in Paulâs strong mentality and added, âYeah, I think heâs so deluded, so deluded.
âBut that delusion and that confidence will actually help him in the ring. Because he does genuinely go in there thinking heâs a world class fighter.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Most Valuable Promotions founder Jake Paul speaks during the Weigh-In leading up to the World Lightweight Title fight between Katie Taylor (not pictured) and Amanda Serrano (not pictured) at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2022 in New York, New York. The bout will be the first women's combat sports fight to headline Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
âItâll get him knocked out eventually, but I think people get a little bit baffled by his confidence.â
Hearn was faced with a few issues as he and Paul had initially agreed to a $1million bet on Taylor vs Serrano.
They immediately had to withdraw their bets due to problems surrounding promoters gambling in their own fights.
Both stars in the boxing community then discussed an alternative that money wouldnât be included in this new proposed bet.
Eddie Hearn
âI spoke to Shaun Peter, whoâs our chief head of counsel,â Hearn said. "And when I came off the [press conference] stage, he was like, âitâs not a great look.â
Hearn then admitted that had he and Jake lost their bet if Taylor didnât win, âI would have to go and spar with Jake, and weâd probably stream it.
âAnd if we won then I would send someone to spar Jake.â