Jake Paul answers critics' call to 'fight a real boxer' as he takes on Tommy Fury
Cruiserweights headline PPV card Sunday in Saudi Arabia
A note to Fight Freaks Unite readers: I created Fight Freaks Unite in January 2021 and eight months later it also became available for paid subscriptions for additional content — and as a way to help keep this newsletter going and for readers to support independent journalism. If you haven’t upgraded to a paid subscription please consider it. If you have already, I truly appreciate it! Also, consider a gift subscription for the Fight Freak in your life.
Jake Paul, the popular actor, YouTuber and social media personality turned cruiserweight boxer, has taken plenty of criticism since making his professional debut in January 2020, when most viewed his ring exploits as nothing more than a carnival sideshow.
But as Paul continued to sell tickets and pay-per-view for his events, he did gradually increase his opposition level despite having had only one amateur fight.
His pro debut was a first-round knockout of fellow social media influencer Ali Eson Gib. Fight No. 2 ended in a second-round knockout of former NBA player Nate Robinson, a KO so brutal and spectacular that the highlight went viral.
Then Paul began fighting boxing matches against opponents from the world of MMA — Ben Askren (KO1), Tyron Woodley twice (an eight-round decision followed by a massive sixth-round, face-first KO) and, most recently, Anderson Silva in October in an eight-round decision in which Paul dropped the UFC legend, who had some boxing experience.
All along the cry from the critics to Paul was something along the lines of “fight a real boxer.”
Now, Paul finally will in an admitted effort to quiet those critics who have given him so little respect, despite the fact that he draws crowds, comes to fight, is in shape and has been a strong supporter of women’s boxing, including as the promoter of undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano through his MVP Promotions.
On the third try, Paul and Tommy Fury will finally meet in an eight-round bout at a contract weight of 185 pounds. It will be the main event of a pay-per-view card on Sunday (ESPN+ PPV in the U.S., BT Sport Box Office in the U.K., $49.99, 2 p.m. ET) at Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
