EDDIE HEARN says John Fury taking off his shirt and calling out Jake Paul was a circus – but admitted he cannot knock it.
Paul was a special guest commentator at the Coca-Cola Arena this month as Fury boxed late replacement Rolly Lambert in an exhibition.
The American heckled from ringside and the two later clashed post-fight with security having to restrain them as their rivalry hit new heights.
Fury’s dad John at one point even ripped off his top and offered to fight Paul bare-knuckle in the ring.
But as cringe as the viral moment may have been, Hearn can appreciate promotional gold when he sees it.
He told Matchroom’s YouTube channel: “I mean John Fury – it’s a circus.
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“But that’s what it’s supposed to be, I’m not knocking it for being a circus. You know, taking his shirt off, ‘Hold me back.’”
The celebrity boxing rivals have agreed to reschedule their grudge match once more, with talks currently ongoing.
Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Paul, after suffering a rib injury last December and US visa issues in August.
His Stateside travel restriction still persists today, leaving Paul’s side adamant the fight must take place in the UK.
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Most Valuable Promotions tweeted: “Has to be Manchester or London.
“Jake Paul will not allow travel to be an excuse for this fight to not happen.”
Paul, 25, most recently beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in October, the biggest win in his 6-0 career.
Meanwhile Fury, 23, returned this month in his last-minute exhibition against substitute Lambert, 33.
After he cruised past six rounds, the two traded words and an agreement to fight in 2023 was struck.
Hearn commented: “I’d like to see Jake Paul come out of that world a little bit.
“I think the Jake Paul – Tommy Fury fight is an interesting fight, I like what Jake Paul has done.
“It’s not necessarily YouTube boxing, he’s a YouTuber who’s kind of turned pro.”
