Jake Paul was duped by a 13-year-old boxing fan who stole his hat in a repeat of the YouTube star's stunt on Floyd Mayweather last year.
Paul is preparing to face UFC legend Anderson Silva in his sixth professional bout on October 29 at the Gila River Arena in Phoenix. The pair held two press conferences this week to launch the event, and a 13-year-old amateur fighter was invited on stage during last night's proceedings to meet the high-profile pair.
The fan, King David Garcia, joined Paul with his eight-year-old brother Adonis after writing to Most Valuable Promotions and Showtime for the chance to meet the YouTuber. UFC legend Chael Sonnen introduced the fan, saying: "This fan he started boxing at the age of four he is now 13. He has had 75 amateur boxing matches and has aspirations of representing this country in the Olympic games.
"He and his six-year-old brother have been following Jake Paul for ages and I don't think they were expecting this stage." The pair were then invited on stage where Garcia shook hands with the YouTuber before reaching for his hat and plucking it from his head.
Paul burst out laughing before clapping as he realised it was a repeat of the exact move he pulled on boxing legend Mayweather at his brother Logan's press conference for their exhibition fight. He continued laughing before muttering, "Oh s***" and giving the boy a hug who had a grin on his face as he realised he'd just made a big deal of his appearance.
It has been over a year since Paul pinched Mayweather's hat at the press event in Miami before shouting: "Gotcha hat". However his stunt was met with very different consequences as he sparked a mass brawl, with the boxing legend chasing him down and looking to swing for him while being held back by members of security.
What did you make of the child's stunt on Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments section below
This was Paul's attempt to steal the limelight, and put his name on Mayweather's mind as he targeted a future bout of his own with the former undefeated champion. It wasn't the 25-year-old's last attempt at the stunt as he also tried to do it at his own press conference to Tyron Woodley, but on that occasion it failed.
His stunt on Mayweather went viral and also saw a range of 'Gotcha Hat' merchandise released. Paul later issued an explanation for his stunt on social media, tweeting: "I stole his hat because he steals people's money with his boring ass fights. Honestly I have only had three easy fights as a professional so have been itching for some real action. One of Floyd’s 30 bodyguards got a clean shot on me in the eye RESPECT!!"
