EDDIE HEARN has performed a U-turn on his prediction for Jake Paul's grudge match with Tommy Fury.
The social media superstars will collide at the end of the month in an eagerly-anticipated Saudi showdown nearly two years in the making.
Despite his lack of experience, many fight fans are tipping YouTuber turned boxer Paul to turn over Fury – the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson.
Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn was initially part of that group but has since changed his mind, insisting the contest is a "50-50" fight.
The 43-year-old told Boxing UK: “I’m quite looking forward to it.
"I did think that Jake Paul would win the fight, but I think I’ve changed my mind.
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"It’s a 50/50 though which is a little bit worrying in itself.”
Hearn initially expected Paul's mind games to be too much for Fury, who has been trolled by the American for the best part of two years.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Hearn predicted: “Mentally, he’ll break Tommy Fury.
"I think he’ll mess with Tommy mentally, and I just think by the time they get in the ring, if they do get in the ring, I think Tommy will be defeated before the fight’s even taken place.
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"And I think will win by knockout.”
Paul and Fury, 23 and 26 respectfully, were due to face off again in a press conference in Saudi last week but the latter skipped the event.
That irked Paul, who said: "I'm used to his behaviour at this point, he's unprofessional and he's a flake.
"He's not a serious businessman or a serious fighter and I'm going to prove that.
"It's why this fight is called, 'The Truth' because the truth is going to come out.
"He's going to have to pay for all of the times he's pulled out. All the business people he screwed over, it's disrespectful.
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"There's some of the biggest names in boxing, the biggest promoters and the most influential people in the world.
"One of the greatest countries in the world and he doesn't want to show up because of a 'private matter'. We all have private matters.
"When you sign up to do something, you make a commitment, that's what it should be about.
"It just shows me he's scared because he said he didn't need to train for this fight
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"Meanwhile, his first excuse was that he needed to train extra, but now it's a private matter.
"I love Tyson but it's typical from the dad [John] and Tommy."
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