Mike Perry says not much has changed as far as negotiations go for a potential boxing match with Jake Paul, but he’s confident the fight will come to fruition.
Earlier this month, Perry revealed on social media that he signed a contract to face Paul in the squared circle, and he even put out a screenshot of what he said was the contract. Paul confirmed Perry’s availability, and even suggested that it might be Perry’s “lucky day”, since Tommy Fury isn’t signing on.
Perry did not reveal all of the details on his deal, but if the contract he received and signed comes together, the bout will happen quickly.
” I believe it was mid-February,” Perry said to MMA Fighting. “I don’t know what I can and can’t say, [because] I want it to happen, but there was supposed to be a really cool location and that intrigued me.
“I think it happens. It will be mid-February and I’ll be prepared. I’m ready this weekend. I’m going to keep working, road work, lift some weights, eat healthy, just keep feeding myself and stay hungry. That’s me. This is what I do .”
After the end of a 15-fight run with the UFC, Perry signed a deal with BKFC, where he was victorious in a pair of 2022 bouts against Julian Lane and Bellator star Michael Page, respectively. Prior to his BKFC debut, he took part in Triller’s inaugural Triad Combat event, which saw a team of MMA fighters take on a team of boxers in a hybrid variation of both sports. “Platinum” took on Michael Seals – then a 25-3 pro – and earned a split decision in November 2021.
Perry stated that Paul was approached to fight him before the New Year.
” I think it was [this past]December,” he stated. People are thinking that I falsified the contract. What? Did I type that up? Do you think that I wrote it up? C’mon, man, I can’t type that up. This is absurd. People will still see it with their eyes. It’s not like it matters. Jake’s got five pro boxing fights — if you could call them all pro boxing fights — he’s gotten a lot better since he’s been competing, he’s training all the time.
“I sparred him once, and I think it would be a great boxing match. I can’t lie, I’m a bare knuckle boxer, and I like to punch without anything, but with the gloves on I feel like I hit harder, and I think it would be interesting to see what I could do.”
Since posting the contract and Paul’s acknowledgment of Perry as a possible option, Perry said things haven’t changed at all. Perry will certainly be available for promotional activities if the matchup takes place. He believes that he still has many options.
“As far as I know, it’s the same as it was,” Perry explained. “Not much has really changed, and we’re in the same position as we were in a few days ago.
“I’m just calling people out and staying ready to compete, but I’ll tell you, it doesn’t matter to me. Boxing is my passion. I’m ready to throw hands. I can handle a lot of punches, but I also give them back. I am getting smoother, my movements are correct, and I have always been a fighter deep down.
“I did MMA and made it to the UFC, but all of the grappling, wrestling, and all of that stuff, and every time I got in the [cage], I wanted to punch people. Now. I’m practicing how I’m going to be.”
On Monday, Perry put a list of opponent options he has his eye on for his next matchup on Twitter, which includes Paul, Kevin Lee, Darren Till, Donald Cerrone, Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor and, what he would consider a dream fight, Roy Jones Jr.
Perry feels that he has put himself in an excellent position to win the Paul sweepstakes.
“We’re looking for a good name, we’re looking for a big name, but ultimately, it’s a management thing,” he said. My team is a product of me. They will make the best decision for me and my career so that we all can benefit. They are working hard to find me the best opportunity. It is my responsibility to be ready.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/12/23550267/mike-perry-on-potential-jake-paul-fight-i-think-it-happens-ill-be-ready?rand=96749
