Jake Paul has called for young people to settle their differences in the boxing ring following the tragic death of Takeoff.
Takeoff, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was one-third of the popular rap group Migos alongside uncle Quavo and cousin Offset.
The 28-year-old was fatally shot in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday morning. Houston Police confirmed a victim was dead upon the police's arrival, with two others injured.
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YouTuber turned boxer Paul, who extended his record to 6-0 following a win over Anderson Silva on Saturday evening, reacted to the news on social media.
He tweeted: "Senseless killings need to stop. Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF."
'The Problem Child' then gathered his thoughts before sending another message, which quickly went viral.
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Paul told fans to 'put down' the guns to instead focus on boxing.
"To all the youth…put down the guns and pick up some boxing gloves to settle your differences. Violence is not the answer," he declared.
Other sports stars paid tribute to Takeoff on Tuesday, including Chris Eubank Jr. who tweeted: "I remember @1YoungTakeoff
being a very down to earth, cool dude. Cant believe I’m having to say this again about another young black star being killed for no reason, something really has to change in the industry, it’s sickening how easy & often people are dying. RIP Takeoff."
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Paul is an advocate for the sport of boxing, claiming it 'saved his life' in an interview last year. He told Subject To Change: "Yeah, I do. I believe, you know, there's chosen people in this world who have special destinies and special paths.
"I believe I was chosen 100% by the higher powers to live and fulfill this destiny for a higher purpose.
"For me that higher purpose I think is, inspiring millions of kids who came from a humble background like me, to pursue their dreams and not let anyone stop them.
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"And to take up the sport of boxing because it helped save my life.
"You know, I didn't know who I was, I didn't have purpose in LA, I felt lost, and boxing got me on the straight and narrow."
Takeoff achieved worldwide fame as part of Migos following the release of their 2013 hit 'Versace'.
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Both Offset and Quavo are yet to publicly comment on Takeoff's death.
Topics: Jake Paul
Daniel Marland