If Tommy Fury fails to show up to fight Jake Paul on Feb. 26, Mike Perry will be more than ready to take his place.
The UFC veteran and bare-knuckle fighter was selected as Paul’s backup opponent after his two matchups against Fury failed to materialize. There was actually some concern just recently after Paul revealed that Fury declined an appearance for a pre-fight press conference scheduled in Saudi Arabia, although the former reality show star eventually fired back while proclaiming his plans to arrive in the country 10 days ahead of the event.
Either way, Perry is preparing like he’s fighting Paul in a matter of weeks because he knows there’s definitely a chance he’ll get the call that Fury is out.
” I’d be available to go at any time, if needed,” Perry said to MMA Fighting. They announced that I was the backup, which is a very foolproof strategy. Mike Perry is ready to fight.
” The thing with the Fury brothers, and with the Paul brothers, is that it’s business, and they choose to do business alongside me. Because of my past, my history, I always show up and I’m down for a fight and I give it all I got. That’s something .”
you can count upon.
Prior to his role as a backup being announced, Perry actually posted a copy of a bout agreement he received for a fight against Paul.
It turned out that the offer was made in case Fury did not agree to meet with Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions team. However, Perry was quick to take on the challenge and accepted it when presented.
“I had an idea [this would happen],” Perry explained. Management called Perry and told him it was either you or [Tommy Fury].. He didn’t turn up, so it was you. They were trying to convince him to sign the contract. The contract was returned the next day.
“I’m just a dirty little tramp who was ready to go drop the hammer on them. This is not a big deal. I believe I will have opportunities and there are fights for me to have.”
Admittedly, Perry hasn’t spent much time studying Fury’s game or his past fights but he’s been told numerous times that the 23-year-old younger brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury isn’t expected to be the biggest test of Paul’s career.
Perry doesn’t want to try to break Fury, but he is aware of the kind of fight that he would put up with Paul if given the chance.
” Fury. I think he isn’t quite proven and the last fight against Jake’s sparring partner, Jake stated was an easy matchup. Perry agreed. “I think I’m the tougher fight for any guy in any competition. It’s all about me. I have no fear of failure. I’m a relentless warrior forever. I’m a relentless warrior forever. To just stay in it, use my chin how I have to, and just stay in the game and keep pushing these guys back.
“Anybody calls on me, they know what time it is. I’m here, I’m out there and might knock you out .”
When it comes to Paul and his 6-0 boxing record, Perry gives him credit for taking a fight against ex-UFC champion Anderson Silva, who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA history.
Despite watching Paul defeat Silva in a unanimous decision, Perry isn’t impressed with his boxing abilities.
“I didn’t see the Silva that I thought I might see in that fight,” Perry said. “That’s not the Silva that I know, that all the fans who know Silva love. His UFC career ended in a sad end. It was probably boxing. He beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., I’m sure.
“No, I wasn’t too impressed with Jake’s ability to run away and cower and feint a lot and not really bring the action. He is a hard kid .”
While he’s staying ready for the fight, Perry concedes that it’s entirely possible that Fury will still show up to face Paul and he’ll be left as the odd man out.
Perry said that even though he may not be able to fight Paul in the future, he will still insist on a showdown because he believes he’ll win.
“I’ve been saying it — I’m the money fight,” Perry said. If you’re looking to show your worth, I’m the one to fight if that is what you desire. I’ve been in the game a long time, I’ve fought a good who’s who of opponents.
“It should happen. Let’s go. He beat Tommy Fury. If that happens, someone has to stop him. It’s me. Let’s go. I’ll shut him down.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/7/23588960/mike-perry-ready-to-go-against-jake-paul-if-tommy-fury-drops-out-again-i-think-im-the-tougher-fight?rand=96749
