UFC veteran Mike Perry explains that he will be more than ready to replace light heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury in a scheduled fight with Youtube star turned boxer Jake Paul.
Fury is set to face Paul on February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
When the event was first announced, it was revealed that Perry had been secured as a backup opponent – in the event Fury withdraws from the bout.
Paul and Fury had been scheduled to fight on two prior occasions, with Fury unable to move forward both times. In 2021, Fury withdrew with a training camp injury. A year later, Fury was denied entry into the United States.
Despite a recent face to face, Paul is still very much concerned about the scenario of Fury pulling out for a third time. Fury has not taken part in joint media functions to promote the event, which is being carried on pay-per-view on BT Sport Box Office and ESPN+.
Perry, for his part, is not worried about entering the bout at the late hour.
“I’d be ready to go at the last minute if necessary,” Perry told MMA Fighting. “I think that’s why they announced I’m the backup because it’s a foolproof plan. Mike Perry would be ready to show up and fight. The thing is with the Paul brothers and the Fury’s, too, it’s a business and they’re choosing to do business with me. Because of my past, my history, I always show up and I’m down for a fight and I give it all I got. That’s something you can count on.”
“I had an idea [this would happen]. Management called and said it’s either you or [Tommy Fury]. If he doesn’t show, it’s you and they were struggling to get him to sign a contract. I sent the contract back the first day. I’m just a dirty little tramp who was ready to go drop the hammer on them. It’s no big deal. I believe I will have opportunities and there are fights for me to have.”
“Fury, I guess he hasn’t really been proven yet and his last toughest fight was against one of Jake’s sparring partners who Jake said was an easy matchup for him. I think I’m the tougher fight for any guy in any competition. I’m out here giving it my all. I don’t have any quit in me. I’m a relentless warrior forever. It’s marked on me for a reason and that’s my game plan. To just stay in it, use my chin how I have to, and just stay in the game and keep pushing these guys back. Anybody calls on me, they know what time it is. I’m showing up, I’m showing out and I might knock you out.”