Mike Tyson will not fight Jake Paul! Instead, Hasim Rahman Jr. will step in his place. If only the lengthy text from Rahman Jr. could be summarized in the briefest possible way. He shared it through his X/Twitter handle. Probably it was meant for pure jest. However, as several responses depicted, the tweet seems to have missed the target. Many instead found a golden opportunity to take a dig at former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman‘s son.
The 32-year-old Baltimore-born heavyweight boxer hasn’t had much success in professional boxing, losing the last two bouts, especially the last to a retired NFL defensive end. Then boxing enthusiasts weren’t too excited by his exhibition fight against a celebrity impersonator last month. Some of those who commented didn’t forget to remind him of the alleged pullout from a scheduled Jake Paul fight back in August 2022.
Hasim Rahman Jr.’s post began with the news that the highly anticipated fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has run into trouble. The ‘commission’ has refused to approve the former heavyweight champion’s participation. However, on a happy note, Rahman Jr. revealed that he would join as a replacement for Tyson. In the subsequent notes, he expressed his gratitude to all those who stood by his side.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
I am thrilled to share some breaking news with all of you. As many of you know, Mike Tyson has unfortunately not been approved by the commission for his highly anticipated bout with Jake Paul. However, I am delighted to announce that I have been selected as the replacement, with… pic.twitter.com/2huBmM4kBr
— Hasim Rahman Jr. (@_HasimRahmanJr) April 1, 2024
Then he spoke about the training camp. Exuding confidence, he reckoned that he should be able to showcase his talent in the ring and emerge victorious against Paul. The penultimate paragraph once again contained professions of appreciation to all ‘sports enthusiasts’.
In the end, he said, “As we look forward to the upcoming bout, let’s make this April Fools Day one to remember and bring some light to the fact that this is what fights fans should be getting!”
Hasim Rahman Jr.: A Heavyweight Sledging Misfire
For sure, like many, Hasim Rahman Jr. tried pulling off a joke. Only, the venture failed to enthuse some of the followers. Given the route Rahman Jr.’s career has taken off-late, many didn’t hesitate to remind him to focus on boxing instead of working on such antics.
In the latest instance, the following user wonders why Hasim Rahman Jr. had to take all the trouble writing a ‘500-page essay’ just so he could stake a claim at a fight that he allegedly pulled out of!
bro is writing 500-word essay’s to try and reclaim the payday he fumbled😭
— Brad (@BradHeat) April 1, 2024
This follower echoed almost similar sentiments. They find it sad that Rahman Jr. has to resort to such gimmicks just so he can retrieve a bout that he reportedly left early.
Using an April Fools joke to try to campaign for this fight again after missing weight last time is just sad
— Steven Luu (@Steventheekid) April 1, 2024
The next user gave a sort of reality check. According to them, hardly anyone would believe whatever Rahman Jr. said. Then, taking a dig at the heavyweight boxer’s last fight, they said that his fights are now restricted to backyards.
The fact that no one would believe this, you fight on backyards now
— Pedro Yan 🇩🇴 (@QuisqueyanoMMA) April 1, 2024
The next follower called out the post, claiming it was the most brazen attempt at self-promotion.
And this could be the worst most embarassing April Fool's of all time. Literally begging for attention.
— Betting Top 10 – Ireland (@Bettingtop10I) April 1, 2024
Likewise, this user chided Hasim Rahman Jr.’s efforts to stay relevant. According to the user, the heavyweight boxer’s career is now restricted to fighting on influencer shows such as those put up by Misfits and Adin Ross.
Bro trying to so hard to stay relevant and gone pass it off as “April fools bro” get laughed at loser. Your stuck on misfits and adin boxing streams now
— Conquerer_Mindset (@Daily_King_Talk) April 1, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Last week too, Hasim Rahman Jr. shared a post. It had a clip, that showed someone (many commentators thought it was Rahman Jr.; however, the same remains unverifiable) approaching Taylor Holder in-between a bout, taunting him by taking the name of Bryce Hall. The whole endeavor received widespread criticism from fans and followers alike.
Given the kind of legacy that he holds, it’s sad for many fans to see how his career has been reportedly going downhill. He hardly fought last year. Then the first bout that came up this year turned out to be a farcical one. He is already thirty-two. As many fans might feel, if he’s genuinely serious about a career in boxing, then it will need something seriously more than an April Fools banter.
Read More: Hasim Rahman Jr. Blasts Viddal Riley Over “Biggest Waste of Potential In Boxing” Remarks
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
From the reactions, what’s your take? Was the April Fools Day attempt in good taste from Rahman Jr.?