Light heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury has explained why he decided to withdraw from a planned pay-per-view fight with Youtube star turned boxer, Jake Paul.
They were set to collide on December 18 in Tampa, Florida – in the main event of a Showtime pay-per-view – but on Monday it was announced that Fury had withdrawn from the fight.
The two rivals have been trading words for most of the year through interviews and social media.
Fury, who is the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, is very disappointed, as he missed out on a seven figure payday.
He explained that he suffered a broken rib, likely in training camp And he’s also dealing with a chest infection.
“I am absolutely heartbroken that I have been forced to withdraw from my fight with Jake Paul due to a bacterial chest infection and a broken rib,” Fury said.
“The beginning of my camp was going so incredibly and I never expected anything to come in my way from a victory on December 18th. I can’t express how disappointed I am and I really do hope we can get this fight rescheduled in the new year. I want this fight to still happen more than anything. I’m now regretfully putting my focus on recovery and a further reschedule date.”
Fury has been replaced by former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
Back in August, Paul won a close eight round split decision over Woodley in the main event of their pay-per-view fight. Fury was actually in action on that undercard to build up a future fight with Paul.