Mairis Briedis recently claimed that he would put an end to Jake Paul‘s boxing career, something that many in the sport have wished for.
Briedis, a three-time and incumbent cruiserweight world champion, is a Latvian professional boxer. He has held the IBF winners medal since September 2020. Prior to this, he held the WBC title from 2017 to 2018 and the WBO title from 2019 to 2020. When he claimed the WBC crown in 2017, the 36-year-old became the first boxer from Latvia to ever win a world championship in boxing.
Briedis was awarded the Order of the Three Stars in 2017, which is Latvia’s highest civilian decoration for meritorious service.
The Ring champion and Muhammad Ali Trophy winner challenged Paul to a clash for his belts in a video posted by his promoters, Kalle & Nisse Sauerland.
“Hey Jake, look I’m dressed like you, but one thing you’re missing is a belt. And this belt, money cannot buy,” Briedis said.
In a tweet, Sauerland offered to arrange a contest between Briedis and Paul, where the winner would be crowned the next IBF cruiserweight champion. But, if he loses, Paul will be forced to retire from the sport.
Paul is yet to react to the challenge and is actually enjoying the thrill of a new commercial partnership.
Jake Paul signs deal with Showtime Sports
Paul confirmed on social media that he has signed a new sponsorship contract with Showtime Sports for his upcoming fight, which will be announced shortly.
“Jake is proud of the events he participated in with Triller and appreciates the opportunities they afforded him. Jake is excited to continue his boxing career with Showtime Boxing. Fight announcement coming soon,” Paul’s advisor Nakisa Bidarian told ESPN.
However, no date, venue, or opponent’s name has been made public till now.
Paul has formerly been a member of Triller Fight Club, fighting Nate Robinson and Ben Askren under their banner. Triller’s parent company, Proxima Media, CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, assured ESPN that no more ‘Jake wars’ will be held.
“We love Jake. I wish Jake the absolute best. We had our two fights with him… I think for us, we’ve gone the distance with him that we can go. We won’t be doing any more Jake fights,” Kavanaugh told ESPN.
Floyd Mayweather, Gervonta Davis, Oscar De La Hoya, and Manny Pacquiao are among the prizefighters who have recently worked with Showtime.
Signing with Showtime Sports will undoubtedly be a positive move forward for Paul in his efforts to develop himself as a legitimate competitor in the sport.
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