YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul is out to continue his undefeated professional boxing career against the Tyron Woodley but things haven’t gone to his plan so far.
Woodley, the former UFC welterweight champion, who had a 19-7-1 record, is stepping outside of the octagon and into the ring against the contentious Paul, who has won his three previous professional boxing bouts.
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It was a cagey beginning to the fight, with Paul the main aggressor but also taking a relatively measured approach as the bout went into a third round.
UFC analyst Ariel Helwani desribed the scenes as “surreal” as the pair squared off against each other early.
Paul has never previously been past the second round and Woodley looked more dangerous as the fight went on.
“We’re going to find out if he (Paul) is a real fighter now, going into a fourth round,” Helwani said, before later adding as Paul appeared to get a second wind: “He’s proving he is a real fighter”
Watch Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley live on Main Event, available on Foxtel and Kayo on Monday 30th August at 10am AEST. ORDER NOW >
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The 24-year-old Paul a loud personality but has also let his actions do the talking in the ring with three knockout victories to start his career.
Those have come though against YouTuber AnEsonGib, former NBA player Nate Robinson and former UFC fighter Ben Askren with his most difficult test yet coming on Monday against Woodley.
He is reportedly set to bank at least $1 million — before his PPV cut — from the fight, according to the Evening Standard.
Woodley, a former UFC champion, recorded the third-most knockdowns in UFC welterweight history (10), although wasn’t considered an elite striker.
“Basically, they brought me in to take out the trash,” Woodley said in an interview with ESPN.
“This is getting done for the culture, the whole MMA community and boxing community, to rid this guy of combat sports.
“This is an opportunity for me to sprint into the boxing lane, but also I’m preparing accordingly.
“I’m preparing if I was fighting Canelo (Alvarez). I’m training like that right now.”
‘IT’S ALL CALCULATED’
Don’t underestimate him.
That’s Logan Paul’s message for those watching on as his brother Jake prepares for his biggest test yet.
“The right hand is a cannonball,” Logan said on Showtime. “The kid has such heavy hands. I just don’t see how anyone could survive it.
“If he hits you clean in the temple, which is all he does, because as dumb as we all think Jake Paul is, come on, it’s all calculated, it’s all strategic.”
Logan added: “Everything he does is so strategic and calculated; including where he hits you in the head. And when that cannonball comes down on your temple, the back of your head, or your chin, you don’t survive.
“He’s much smarter than everyone thinks — especially in the boxing ring. I’ve seen the kid spar over, and over, and over again. I’m his own brother, and every time I’m like, ‘Damn. This kid really boxes smart. He’s playing chess with his fists.’
“He’s not the angry kid everyone thinks he is. He uses it, but he’s too smart and too calculated in the ring. I don’t see Tyron going past three rounds.”
Logan later predicted: “I think he’s going to knock Tyron out in a really violent way.”
SECOND TESTING U-TURN
There will be drug testing after all.
According to ESPN, both Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley will be tested for PEDs after their fight on Monday; a reversal on the Ohio State Athletic Commission’s earlier decision.
“Initially, there was an issue with the number of test kits available,” Mike Coppinger tweeted. “That’s been rectified.”
Officials had initially declared that only fighters competing in title bouts would be tested.
FULL FIGHT CARD
Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley (cruiserweight)
Amanda Serrano def. Yamileth Mercado — via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93)
Daniel Dubois def. Juiseppe Cusumano — via first round TKO
Montana Love def. Ivan Baranchyk — via 7th round TKO
Tommy Fury def. Anthony Taylor — via unanimous decision (40-36 x 3)
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