JAKE PAUL has officially lined up THREE alternative opponents as his fight with Tommy Fury hangs in the balance.
The celebrity grudge match is set for August 6 at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden.
But Fury was unable to travel to the pre-fight press conference amid a US visa issue, since throwing the bout in doubt.
For a second time, following the ex-Love Islander’s rib injury last December, Paul is on the scout for a replacement opponent.
Here, SunSport runs down five potential fights for the YouTuber-turned boxer.
Anderson Silva
The UFC legend, 47, was considered as Paul’s next opponent, but Fury, 23, was ultimately chosen.
Having already opened talks with Silva in the past, it would make a late-notice deal easier to agree.
But the Brazilian is a southpaw and well-named star, meaning more than four weeks would likely be needed to prepare and promote properly.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
At one point in time, the famously ill-disciplined Mexican was top of Paul’s list but he priced himself out.
Chavez Jr, son to the legendary Julio Cesar Sr, does tick all the boxes for Paul, he’s a boxer, credible name and an ex-world champ.
But again, four weeks is not a long time for Chavez Jr to put his reputation is on the line – meaning a big payday would be needed.
Sonny Bill Williams
Williams, 36, was another in talks with Paul and remains a possibility for the future with the American keen to fight in Australia.
But the All Blacks icon is a heavyweight meaning an agreement would need to be struck to meet in the middle.
It would also be a risky fight for Paul to take on short notice, with Williams having almost twice as many fights.
Chris Avila
Avila, 29, is the training partner of Nate Diaz’s, who beat Paul’s sparring partner Anthony Taylor in December.
He would also offer the chance for Paul to build a narrative for a potential fight against Diaz, 37, who has one fight left on his UFC deal.
Avila beat Taylor on Paul’s last undercard, meaning he has already done business with the opposing camp.
Mike Tyson
Both Tyson, 56, and Paul, 25, have agreed to fight THIS YEAR, despite their 30-year age gap.
But the bout – no matter how controversial – is a guaranteed blockbuster at the pay-per-view box office.
So the chances of Paul and Tyson fighting in a month’s time looks all-but impossible.
Mike Tyson has agreed to fight Jake Paul this year
