The world of combat sports is no stranger to crossover hype, but few could have predicted the fiery exchange between Welsh darts sensation Gerwyn Price and controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. What started as a confident boast from the former world darts champion has escalated into a potential showdown, reignited in the wake of Paul’s brutal defeat to heavyweight icon Anthony Joshua.
Price, nicknamed “The Iceman” for his cool demeanor under pressure on the oche, didn’t hold back when discussing a hypothetical matchup with Paul earlier this year. The 40-year-old, a former professional rugby player known for his physical presence and no-nonsense attitude, dismissed the American as out of his depth. “That’s easy, I look forward to that,” Price declared. “He’s a YouTuber, he’s not a fighter, is he? I think it would just be one punch, and it would be all over. Out cold.”
He went further, adding with a touch of home pride: “It would be a waste of money for people to tune in. He’ll never beat me in Wales. Nobody beats me in Wales. He’d probably beat Canelo but he’s not beating me, no.” Price’s comments came amid his own ambitions, including launching a YouTube channel, where the idea of facing Paul was floated as a milestone challenge.
Paul, never one to shy away from controversy or a lucrative opportunity, took notice. Despite being 12 years younger and boasting a professional boxing record that includes high-profile wins, the 28-year-old responded directly via private message. The exchange, revealed by Price himself, saw Paul inviting the darts star to “Come to Greece, man. Just name a price.” The location added an intriguing twist—perhaps a nod to Paul’s luxurious lifestyle or a hint at an exotic venue for what could be a blockbuster event.
Price, admitting the message caught him off guard, shared his initial reaction with a mix of humor and caution. “He’s seen it and messaged me,” he recounted. When asked if he’d replied, he quipped: “I was a bit scared. No, I need to get some training in.” This lighthearted admission highlighted the surreal nature of the situation—a top darts player fielding a genuine fight offer from one of boxing’s most polarizing figures.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Paul’s recent clash with Joshua in Miami ended in heartbreak for the American, who suffered a double broken jaw and was stopped in the sixth round after a valiant effort that saw him pocket an estimated £70 million. Surviving nearly six rounds against a two-time heavyweight champion with victories over legends like Wladimir Klitschko underscored Paul’s growth as a fighter, defying critics who still view him primarily as an entertainer.
Meanwhile, Price faced his own setback just a day later at the PDC World Darts Championship. The Welshman, a 2021 world champion, was stunned in a 3-0 whitewash by underdog Wesley Plaisier, despite posting a strong average. It was a humbling exit that mirrored the knockout theme dominating headlines around both men.
Price’s background adds credibility to his bravado. Before dominating darts—where he’s known for heated rivalries and crowd-baiting antics—he played rugby professionally for clubs like Neath, Cross Keys, and Glasgow Warriors. His physicality translated well, and he even trained for a charity boxing match in 2022, only withdrawing on medical advice after a hand injury. That experience, combined with his competitive fire, makes the idea of him stepping into the ring far from far-fetched.
Paul, on the other hand, has built a career on embracing unlikely opponents, from fellow influencers to aging MMA stars like Mike Tyson. A bout with Price would fit perfectly into his mold of spectacle-driven fights, potentially drawing massive pay-per-view numbers from fans of both darts and boxing. The contrast—a precision arrow-thrower versus a brash puncher—promises endless promotional material.
As Paul recovers from surgery and contemplates his next move, the darts world watches with amusement and intrigue. Price’s fellow players have weighed in before, with some dismissing the matchup as unlikely, but the direct message has added fuel to the fire. Whether “The Iceman” seriously considers naming a price remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the era of crossover combat, bold words can quickly turn into real possibilities.
For now, Price returns his focus to the oche, while Paul licks his wounds. Yet, the leaked private exchange has planted the seed for what could be one of the most entertaining—and unexpected—fights in recent memory. Darts fans might dream of 180s, but boxing enthusiasts are now imagining a swift one-punch finish from an unlikely source.
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