HASIM RAHMAN JR claims Jake Paul “botted” Instagram followers for him to help push their August 6 boxing.
The 12-1 heavyweight is a step up for Paul, who is yet to fight anybody who has boxed professionally before meeting him inside the squared circle.
But Rahman Jr was an unrecognisable name with very little social media presence before it was announced he would be Tommy Fury’s replacement.
The fighter, who took the bout on short notice, had just 5,000 Instagram followers before signing on to fight Paul.
His account then shot up to over 250,000, leading to accusations of ‘botting’ – or buying – followers.
However, Rahman Jr pointed the finger at Paul in their New York press conference on Tuesday.
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He said in response to a Paul taunt: “Why did you buy me followers then?
“Why did you bot me followers? Boxing doesn’t have anything to do with followers.”
Rahman Jr also denied asking for more money.
He insists he “took the lowest amount at the highest level” despite being the “highest level opponent” Paul has faced.
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Rahman Jr said: “I didn’t ask you for nothing.
“What are you talking about? I didn’t ask you for more money, I never asked for more money.
“I took the lowest amount at the highest level.
“I’m the highest level opponent you’ve faced, but I’m getting the lowest amount of anybody that you have fought.”
In a fiery press conference, Rahman Jr also claimed Paul ‘run away’ during a sparring session – and that leaked footage released by the Paul camp had been heavily edited.
He said: “With this footage stuff, they be putting out what they want to put out.
“Did you put out the footage where you turned around and ran away from me in the ring?
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“Why didn’t you put that out? You turned your back and ran.”
He added: “I boxed this man with one hand behind my back and I promise you, he turned his back and ran from me.
“That’s what’s going on in his whole camp. He’s barking up the wrong tree.
“I’m going to f*** you up.”
