In one of the strangest “call outs” in boxing, IBF cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis has got a tattoo trying to lure YouTuber/boxer Jake Paul into a fight.
The tattoo – that says “Jake’s Bad Karma” – was posted on the Latvian’s Instagram page on Monday night attempting to get the attention of the 24-year-old.
This is just the latest example of how Paul is continuing to stoke fires across the boxing landscape, getting big names and champions to challenge him to contests in order to make a quick buck.
It’s an odd move by Briedis, who at 36 should really be chasing some of the other champions in the 200-pound weight class.
The Latvian has just one defeat to his name – a disputed 2018 loss to Oleksandr Usyk – but is choosing to fill his mouth with Jake Paul’s name as opposed to other recognised champions Lawrence Okolie or Illunga Makabu.
Paul’s purses are growing and growing in the sport and at 5-0 with 5KOs, his stock is continuing to rise – Briedis is clearly prioritising a quick cash grab if he is able to land the Paul fight over a more competitive meeting with a ranked cruiserweight.
We’ll see how this plays out over the next couple of weeks, but it’s indicative of how the sport is moving into the 21st century with exhibitions, YouTubers and celebrity contests now part and parcel of boxing.
Like it or loathe it, it’s here to stay.
