Jake Paul has no interest in fighting Conor McGregor and is instead eyeing UFC champion Alex Pereira.
Paul recently defeated his latest former UFC fighter, Mike Perry, with a brutal stoppage to pick up his tenth win in the boxing ring.
Paul previously had his eyes on McGregor but not anymoreCredit: Getty
UFC superstar McGregor was quick to criticise the ‘Problem Child’ for his latest win, which has led to intense speculation regarding a showdown between the pair.
But the American fighter believes McGregor is not interested in a fight against him.
He said on his podcast: “The guy’s on Twitter, the guy’s on yachts but the guy’s not in the ring winning fights like me.
“He won’t fight me, I’ve said it since a long time ago. Conor McGregor is owned by Dana White, he probably can’t get out of his contract.
“But that’s what he will hide behind because he’s not going to get in there.
“All the s**t talk but he won’t put it on the line, and I want a tougher challenge than McGregor. F**k McGregor, I want Alex Pereira, the light-heavyweight champion.
Paul went on to point that out that he will likely receive more credit should he beat Pereira, given they can fight at a similar weight.
He continued: “Everyone says everything about the weight difference but I was 212lb in the ring, so that’s a 10lb difference which is common in boxing.
McGregor has made one appearance in the boxing ring previouslyCredit: Getty
Pereira could be a menacing opponent for PaulCredit: Getty
“Alex Pereira rehydrates to 240lbs so I want someone who, when I f**k them up like I did tonight, there are no excuses.
“Alex Pereira is 6ft 4ins, 240lbs, kickboxing world champion, two division champion in UFC and when I beat him what the f**k can they say?
“Keep writing me off, that’s what people have done in every facet of my life since I was eight years old. I can’t be stopped.”
Pereira currently holds the belt at 200lbs, and successfully defended it with another stoppage win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303.
After his latest victory, Anthony Joshua endorsed a potential switch for Pereira to the boxing ring on social media.
The powerful Brazilian suggested he would be open to face Paul after his win over Perry, and hinted that he could follow AJ’s advice.
Paul will not be available until 2025, with the YouTube star set to face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on November 15.
He will pile on weight again, having previously tipped the scales at 230lbs when preparing for the fight before it was rescheduled.
It clearly opens the door to a shot at ‘Poatan’ who has a wealth of experience in kickboxing and could provide a real test to Paul.