A potential clash between Jake Paul and Neeraj Goyat is making waves across the boxing sphere. Goyat is a relatively lesser-known Indian boxer, who initiated this possibility through an assertive call-out on Instagram.
Neeraj Goyat is known in his homeland but otherwise is a relatively obscure figure in boxing circles. He was slated to confront Amir Khan in 2019. Unfortunately, Goyat faced a severe car accident which sidelined him, causing the anticipated bout to fall through.
Resuming his career in 2021, Goyat has since accumulated a professional boxing record of 18-4-2. Eight of those victories are via knockout.
But his recent match with Jose Zepeda this year resulted in a comprehensive loss, as he lost every round. Jose Zepeda had brought him in as a comeback opponent after losing a world championship attempt.
It is noteworthy because Zepeda boxed Goyat at welterweight (147 pounds) but made his attempt for the WBC super-lightweight (140 pounds) world championship.
But this did not stop him from challenging Jake Paul, who weighed 199.4 pounds for his cruiserweight match earlier this month. He competed against Andre August and ended up winning via KO.
Even though they are 50 pounds apart, Goyat said on social media: “I challenge Jake Paul for a fight. I request everyone to mention @JakePaul and @MostValuablePromotions (Jake’s Promotional Company) in your comments and let’s make it happen.”
Paul replied: “Any time, any place.”
Goyat then said: “Your time, your place.”
Paul then responded by saying: “Brother you too small. Walking around at 150lbs? Maybe I tie one arm behind my back?”
Goyat then replied: “The bigger they are, the harder they fall. I’m ready to fight you at any weight. My walking weight right now is 158lbs and I don’t care about yours. your both hands and your brothers both hands will be less to even touch me.”
Since then, Goyat has uploaded another video message in which he calls Paul out as ‘Fake Paul’ and begs him to “send the contract.”
The Most Valuable Promotions then confirmed in a comment on Facebook that negotiations for the bout had officially begun.
Though an opponent has not yet been finalized, Paul has officially declared that his next match will take place in Puerto Rico on March 2.