FORMER UFC middleweight Yoel Romero has called out Jake Paul, challenging the YouTuber to try and retire him.
Ex-Disney star Paul has been in the headlines ever since his brutal second-round KO victory over Nate Robinson on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr.
Paul – the younger brother of fellow YouTube star Logan – has called out several high-profile fighters since the win, most notably former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor.
McGregor has yet to respond to the 23-year-old’s call-outs or the direct message he received from him on Instagram.
Paul’s brashness over the last few weeks hasn’t gone unnoticed by Romero, who was recently released from the UFC.
And the Bellator new-boy has issued a message to ‘The Problem Child’.
During an Instagram Live broadcast, the Cuban said: “I think this guy; he’s talking a lot. He’s a YouTuber guy. I am old, but I have experience. Maybe he’s training good and maybe he can beat me.
“Maybe he can retire me. You know? Maybe. But he needs to try.”
Romero, like many others, believes Paul – who only has two professional boxing matches to his name – is running his mouth.
The 43-year-old added: “He’s talking too much. No running like Izzy (Israel Adesanya) come to me and fight with me.
“And now that people can see you the best. You can do everything what you say, John Paul (Jake Paul).”
Romero finished the call-out with his signature catchphrase, saying: You know what? I love you, see you soon, John Paul (Jake Paul), see you soon.”
If Romero is indeed eager to face Paul, he’ll face an uphill task to land the fight as the YouTuber’s sights are firmly set on a lucrative clash with McGregor.
Paul launched a blistering rant at The Notorious earlier this week, claiming to have sent the Irishman a £37million (£50m) offer and making derogatory comments about his wife.
He said: “What the f**k is up you Irish c**t? Good morning Conor McGregor.
“I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j***ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
“My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
“But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.
“You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
“But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact. And Dana White, you’re a f***ing pussy, you ugly f***ing bald bitch.
“You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
“Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ing contract you idiots. Irish b***h, f**k these guys.”
