January 02, (THEWILL) – Jake Paul has responded to Dana White’s recent challenge to perform steroid tests on the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
White issued a challenge to Paul earlier this week, following repeated allegations that the UFC President is a heavy cocaine user.
“I got a challenge for Jake Paul,” White said. “This guy keeps saying that I’m a coke head. He can randomly cocaine test me for the next 10 years if I can randomly steroid test him for the next two.”
Paul remained reticent in the immediate aftermath of White’s remarks, but in the first day of 2022, he thought it was time to answer. His counter-offer does contain drug testing, but it is part of a much larger picture.
The celebrity boxer outlined several stipulations for increasing fighter pay, all of which are linked to his retirement from boxing and move to the UFC.
Paul stated that he would participate in the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) testing programme in preparation for a bout against Jorge Masvidal, with whom he has been feuding in the media for several months.
The demands were contained in a post on social media that read: “Happy new year @danawhite. Here is a real challenge for you…
“I will immediately retire from boxing and fight Jorge Masvidal in the UFC if you agree to:
1) Increase min fighter pay per fight to $50k (it’s $12k now)
2) Guarantee UFC fighters %%50 of UFC annual revenues ($1bn in 2021)
3) Provide long term healthcare to all fighters (you previously said brain damage is part of the gig…imagine the NFL said that). There are many UFC alums who have publicly said they are suffering from brain damage
“You have 5 days to accept and to implement the above by March 31, 2022. Once implemented I will immediately retire from boxing, enter USADA and agree to a 1 fight deal with UFC to fight weak chin Jorge.
“To all UFC fighter – time to take a stand and create value for yourselves and your peers. You deserve higher pay, you deserve long term health and above all you deserve freedom. Support each other. I am not your enemy. I am your advocate…who selfishly wants to KO a few of you to make some big bank.”
As THEWILL reported, the 24-year-old Paul is coming off a spectacular knockout of former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in their boxing rematch in December. He is undefeated in his combat sports career, with two victories against Woodley and one over former Bellator titleholder Ben Askren.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
