Jake Paul’s jeweller has revealed the social media star ordered a $20,000 custom-made diamond ring with a taunting message to Tommy Fury before their planned fight was cancelled.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been engaged in an increasingly-hostile war of words with the younger brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson for several years.
A fight between the pair was scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on 6 August – but fell through in July after the 23-year-old unbeaten prospect couldn’t get a US visa. It came after Tommy pulled out of a scheduled bout in December with a broken rib.
While Jake – who is unbeaten in five fights – has been keen to voice his frustration at the delays, he didn’t let it get in the way of his plans to celebrate in style, according to jeweller Alex Vobara.
The 33-year-old, whose fans also include Diddy’s kids, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross, revealed that Jake personally reached out to his firm VOBARA about creating a “custom-made ring” ahead of the bout.
“He initially wanted a ring that said ‘KO’ on it but after going back and fourth and brainstorming we came up with the ‘zzz’ concept,” Alex – whose firm is based in Miami, Florida – told JamPrime.
“He liked it because he’s been putting people to sleep with his knockouts.
“Jake picked it up last Saturday (6 August) – the day he was meant to fight.
“When he was in my shop, I put him and Rick Ross on FaceTime and they were discussing the state of boxing.
“Ross was saying how a lot of fighters are scared to fight Jake and he gave him respect for being a great fighter.
“Jake was all good but you could tell he was frustrated about what happened with both fights.
“He wants to prove himself and did everything possible to achieve that. He said that Hassim, Tommy and everyone else who cancels is just scared to get knocked out by a ‘non-credible’ YouTube boxer.
“They do him down on social media but are not willing to face the backlash when he knocks them out.
“Jake has always put his money where his mouth is and isn’t afraid to fight anyone so you got to give the guy his dues for putting himself out there.”
Alex said the $20,000 ring took more than 20 hours to make and features 250 VVS (high quality) diamonds sitting on 14k solid white gold.
He said: “He wanted something that matches his personality. Jake’s a very outgoing guy and the ring 100 per cent reflects that.
“With the three Zs getting progressively bigger and the diamonds constantly reflecting the light it catches your eye the moment you see it.
“It’s the sort of piece that leaves an impression, just like Jake which is why I think he liked it so much.”
Alex – who has been selling jewellery since high school and achieved widespread success with his patented Apple Watch pendants – revealed that before he left Jake hinted that he had another fight in the pipeline.
He wouldn’t reveal who it was, but said it was pencilled in for October, he explained.
The jeweller – who is the nephew of Jacob Arabo the founder of international brand Jacob and Co – spoke as Tommy and Jake inched closer to finally settling their rivalry in the ring.
Jake is tipped to taunt Tommy next month when he flies to England to watch Amanda Serrano fight IBF title-holder Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester.
And Tommy has also said that their fight will still happen.
Earlier this month, he told VIP Boxing Promotions: “Both of us know, it’s too far gone for it not to happen.
“It’s been back and forth for a long time and in this game you need a dance partner.”
