“We just couldn’t turn it down. No boxer in their right mind would have said no. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.
We took a fight we believe will be straightforward. It gives AJ a huge profile in America and one of the biggest paydays of his career.
Originally, AJ was scheduled for a run-out fight in November—an eight-rounder in Saudi against someone ranked about 100th. It was just an opportunity to wrap his hands with his new team, do the ringwalk, and go through the motions. Now we’re doing that same run-out, but for fifty times the money.
Our strategy is clear: knock Jake out as soon as possible. Then, normal service resumes in 2026. AJ will fight a world-class opponent in February and, if all goes well, he will then fight Tyson Fury.
So there’s a method to the madness. Taking this fight does not affect AJ’s legacy. But losing to Jake—or even letting it go the distance—would. That would be an absolute disaster and awfully embarrassing.”
By James Kisoo
