SPOTLIGHT ON JAKE PAUL- CAN HE BEAT TOMMY FURY?

Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury is finally set to happen but can Paul pull off the unthinkable and defeat a real professional boxer? We take a look at what has led Jake Paul into the boxing world as he looks to upset the odds in Saudi Arabia.

This coming Sunday YouTuber turned Boxer Jake Paul takes on former Love island star and professional boxer Tommy Fury. The fight has been cancelled on 2 previous occasions with Tommy Fury having to pull out with an injury the first time and refused entry into America for the second. This long standing rivalry dates back a few years now with various public scraps on social media. Despite neither having set the world of boxing alight thus far, this match has gained huge momentum due to the profiles of both fighters.

Jake Paul is a controversial figure in the world of boxing. Some view him as an arrogant celebrity who is exploiting his fame to engage in exhibition fights, while others see him as a legitimate contender who is trying to establish himself as a boxer. Since making his professional debut in 2020, Paul has had 6 fights and emerged victorious each time, 4 of which by knockout.

Paul’s first professional fight took place on January 30, 2020, against fellow YouTuber Ali Eson Gib. The fight was part of a card promoted by Matchroom Boxing USA and streamed on DAZN. Although both fighters had limited boxing experience, the build-up to the fight was intense, with both men exchanging insults and vowing to knock each other out. In the end, it was Jake Paul who came out on top, scoring a first-round TKO after knocking Gib down three times.

Can Jake Paul Beat Tommy Fury?

On November 28, 2020, Paul fought former NBA player Nate Robinson as part of the undercard for the exhibition bout between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. Similar to his first fight, Paul quickly dispatched his opponent, knocking Robinson out in the second round.

Paul was out again on April 17, 2021, against retired MMA fighter Ben Askren. Unlike Paul’s previous opponents, Askren was a respected combat sports veteran, having won titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship. However, Askren had no prior professional boxing experience, and many fans and analysts questioned whether he could compete with Paul on the feet. Jake emerged victorious once more, scoring a first-round TKO after landing a powerful right hand that sent Askren tumbling to the canvas.

Jake Pauls next fight saw his toughest test to date facing ex Welterweight UFC Champion Tyron Woodley. The fight last the full scheduled 8 rounds with Jake Paul picking up the win in a split decision. He would go on to fight him again in his next fight, after Tommy Fury was refused entry to the States, but this time managed to stop Woodley in round 6 of 8.

Next up for “The Problem Child” was another former UFC Champion, but one who had also had a few professional boxing fights too, Anderson Silva. Many thought this was where he possibly could come unstuck although many also felt age could play a factor with Jake(25 at the time) being 22 years younger then his counterpart Silva(47). Jake dominated the fight and put together a four-punch combination to put Silva down in the final round. This was marred with controversy as some angles showed the that from another angle, the final punch did not land clean.

Despite his unbeaten record, many boxing fans and experts remain dubious of Jake Paul’s abilities. They argue that all of his opponents thus far have been either amateurs, past their prime and not real boxers. He has yet to prove himself against a skilled, accomplished boxer. This is why this Sunday’s fight is so intriguing.

Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy(8-0, 4 KOs) has yet to look very convincing in his boxing career thus far but with that being said, he is still a professional. He has still fought and beat other boxers. He has still beat fighters of similar age and he obviously comes from good stock with his older brother, The Gypsy King, raining supreme at the top of the Heavyweight Tree.

Many will have their views on this fight. Many will be critical of it. Like it or not though you can not deny the magnitude of it as it will have everyone talking about it. Everyone is going to have an opinion as main stream boxing meets the influencer/ crossover scene. The WBC have also confirmed the winner will get a ranking in the top 40 too. Another move that has sparked controversy.

Can Tommy save face and keep pride on the family name? Can Jake Paul beat a real boxer? We will find out this Sunday night.

By Lee Browne

Also read: Jake Paul Ridiculed By Hall Of Famer Carl Froch After Call Out

KSI Names Jake Paul as Top Influencer Boxer in Surprising Ranking