Tommy Fury admits he RESPECTS Jake Paul for moving into boxing – but promises to ‘turn into an animal’ when they fight

TOMMY FURY says he has respect for bitter rival Jake Paul and boxing’s other influencers – just don’t sling him in their division.

The 23-year-old brother of WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury fights his online nemesis for real on February 26 in Saudi Arabia.

GettyTommy Fury (R) has admitted that he respects bitter foe Jake Paul (L)[/caption]

GettyThe two stars will collide in Saudi Arabia next month[/caption]

Former Disney child star Paul, 26, has trash talked his way into the hurt business and millions of dollars, upsetting plenty of people on the way.

But Fury – who has been swapping insults and two cancelled showdowns with Paul over the last two years – reckons their fight is strictly business.

And he even admires the courage of Paul – and other part-time pugilists like England’s KSI – for risking their fame and fortune in the ring.

“I have no bad blood toward influencer boxers,” Fury said.

“They all have the stones to get in that ring and have a go in front of a big crowd. 

“A lot of people that hide behind keyboards say a lot of stuff and then cannot back it up. 

“These guys are putting the training in, going out in front of big crowds and throwing down.

“Big respect to them, I hope they all earn millions of pounds and get the life they’ve always dreamed of. I want success for everybody. There’s no jealousy or bad blood in my body.”

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Tommy won the hearts of the nation – and Molly-Mae Hague – when he stole the show in Love Island.

His boy-next-door charm and Hollywood looks combined perfectly with the loyalty he showed to Hague, under plenty of sultry provocation around the villa.

Paul will definitely try to get under his skin over the next month, whether to sell BT Sport PPVs or unsettle him.

But Fury insists his popular persona is no act and he will not act like an a***hole for love nor money.

He explained: “Trash talk sells for him but everyone likes me for my personality.

“I do not put on an act or a character. I am not an a***hole on camera and then a nice guy off it – or versa – I am just a nice guy.

“I have time for everyone and I love and support everyone. I am just me, what you see is what you get.

“You can leave a camera or a microphone on me 24 hours a day and I have nothing to hide.

“I think that is why the public first liked me, because I am just a regular normal guy that everyone can relate to. My persona will never change.

“I am a nice guy but when I get into that ring I turn into an absolute animal.”