Jake Paul Calls Tommy Fury 'Daddy's Little Boy' After $15M Rematch Rejection, Lands Anthony Joshua Fight

When Jake Joseph Paul took to X on November 17, 2025, to call Tommy Fury "Daddy's little boy," he wasn’t just throwing shade—he was trying to rewrite the narrative of his only professional loss. The 28-year-old Ohio native, who runs Most Valuable Promotions, had just lost his original December 19 opponent, Gervonta Davis, and needed a replacement fast. Fury, the 25-year-old British boxer and half-brother of Tyson Fury, turned down a $15 million offer to rematch at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Paul’s response? Brutal. "You are not a man. You are a boy," he wrote. But Fury didn’t flinch. Four hours later, he fired back: "Offer me the same $15M anywhere else in the world and I’ll be there in 8 weeks to shut you the f**k up."

Why the U.S. Entry Ban Changed Everything

The real story here isn’t just ego—it’s borders. Multiple sources, including GiveMeSport and British boxing insiders, confirm Fury currently cannot enter the United States due to unspecified immigration restrictions. That’s not a gimmick. It’s not a excuse. It’s a legal reality. Fury’s team has said he’s been unable to secure a visa since 2024, likely tied to past travel issues or administrative holds. He didn’t turn down $15 million because he was scared. He turned it down because he couldn’t legally get there. And he made that crystal clear: "A place you know I can’t get to right now. Convenient." Paul, meanwhile, had a deadline. The Netflix broadcast deal was locked. The venue was booked. The marketing campaign was already rolling. He needed someone who could step in—fast. That’s when Anthony Joshua OBE came into play. The 35-year-old former unified heavyweight champ from Watford, Hertfordshire, England, with a 28-4 record, was on the shortlist. By the end of the day, the deal was done. The fight was announced. The narrative shifted.

A Feud That Started With a Split Decision

This isn’t the first time these two have clashed. Their first fight—on February 26, 2023, at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia—was a shocker. Fury, then with just eight pro fights, outboxed Paul in a wild, back-and-forth battle. Paul was knocked down in the final round. The judges scored it 94-96, 96-94, 96-94 in Fury’s favor. Paul’s first and only loss. He called it a robbery. Fury called it justice. Since then, Fury’s been quiet. He had hand surgery. Fought KSI in Riyadh in 2023. Took on Kenan Hanjalic in Manchester in May 2025. Earned about $4 million and $2.5 million respectively. The $15 million offer? More than triple his career earnings to date. But he couldn’t take it. Not because he didn’t want to. Because he couldn’t. Paul, on the other hand, has been a machine. Since that loss, he’s fought 12 times—against Tyron Woodley (twice), Nate Diaz, Julio César Chávez Jr., Mike Perry, and most famously, 58-year-old Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium. He’s built an empire on spectacle. Fury? He’s built a reputation on skill.

The Joshua Factor: A New Chapter

Landing Anthony Joshua was a masterstroke for Paul. Joshua’s name carries global weight. His fights sell out stadiums. His loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023 still haunts him. This is his chance to reclaim relevance. For Paul, it’s a chance to step up from YouTube celebrity to legitimate main-event draw. The stakes? Higher than ever. The $15 million Fury refused? Joshua’s purse is rumored to be close—maybe even higher. And this time, the fight’s in America. No visa issues. No excuses. Fury’s response? He’s not done. "I gave you your first L," he reminded Paul. And he’s right. That night in Diriyah changed Paul’s career. It made him hungry. It made him reckless. Now, Paul’s chasing redemption against a legend. But Fury? He’s waiting. Watching. And if those U.S. restrictions lift? He’ll be ready.

What’s Next?

The press conference for Paul vs. Joshua is set for November 20, 2025. Tickets will likely sell out in minutes. The fight will be one of the biggest in boxing history—not just for the money, but for the legacy. Paul wants to erase his only loss. Joshua wants to prove he still belongs at the top. And Fury? He’s biding his time. If the U.S. lifts his entry ban by early 2026? A Fury-Paul trilogy becomes inevitable. Until then, he’s content letting his fists do the talking… from afar.

Background: The Rise of the Social Media Boxer

Jake Paul didn’t come up through the amateur ranks. He came up through Vine, YouTube, and TikTok. His fights are events—produced like movies, marketed like blockbusters. His opponents? Often celebrities or former MMA fighters. That’s why Fury’s win in 2023 was so jarring. He wasn’t a gimmick. He was a real boxer. And he beat Paul clean. Fury, meanwhile, comes from boxing royalty. His half-brother Tyson Fury is a former lineal heavyweight champion. Tommy’s been groomed for this. He doesn’t need the spotlight. He just needs the ring.

Expert Insight: Why This Matters

"This isn’t just about two guys fighting," says former WBC junior middleweight contender Marcus Bell, now a boxing analyst. "It’s about the future of boxing. Is it about skill? Or is it about who can sell the most tickets? Paul represents the new model. Joshua represents the old guard. Fury? He’s the bridge. He’s got the pedigree, but he’s not chasing fame. That’s why he walked away from $15 million. He knows his value isn’t in the paycheck—it’s in the legacy."

Frequently Asked Questions