Back in February, light heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury (9-0, 4 KOs) finally stepped in the ring with Youtuber turned boxer, Jake Paul (6-1, 4 KOs).
Despite suffering a knockdown in the final round, Fury had outboxed Paul for most of the eight round contest - which gave him a split decision win with the official judges.
Fury, the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, was the first pro boxer that Paul had ever faced in the ring.
Their contest had numerous delays, with the bout being canceled in 2021 and 2022.
Paul had the contractual right to exercise an immediate rematch clause.
The rematch is not happening, at least not next, as Paul has decided to go in another direction.
On August 5th, Paul will step in the ring with MMA star Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
According to Fury, his handlers have never been approached to discuss the possibility of a Paul rematch.
"Nope, not once," Fury told Talk Sport. "I think I saw him tweet the other day that he wants to run it back in a year's time, but as far as I'm concerned, we were meant to be running it back a few months later, like in the rematch."
A few weeks ago, Paul took to social media to mention February 2024 as a possible timeframe for the rematch with Fury - although this matter has not been discussed with Fury or his team.
As far as Fury goes, there are several options he can pursue. However, another social media influencer, KSI, is likely the most lucrative option.
Back in May, Fury was ringside for KSI's fight with Joe Fournier. After the contest was over, Fury entered the to go face to face with KSI. After some heated verbal exchanges, the animosity became physical and they were quickly restrained.
