Boxing’s “Problem Child” earned some respect Sunday night following his victory over former UFC champion, Tyron Woodley. The 24-year-old Jake Paul fought the full eight rounds and fought through a decent amount of adversity. He showed decent footwork and most of all, an effective jab.
Now the question is, who is next for boxing’s most polarizing figure?
The first fight of the Paul vs. Woodley card was the half-brother of Tyson Fury. Tommy Fury earned a decision win over the sparring partner of Jake Paul, Anthony Taylor. Fury is also at the beginning of his boxing career, fighting now since 2018. The same year Jake started training.
Fury has been vocal about wanting the fight with Jake. This only escalated on Sunday night when the two got into a backstage confrontation. For Jake Paul, there is no better fight to make for him than against Tommy Fury. While Jake has looked good in all of his professional fights, the biggest criticism has been his choice of opponents. For many boxing purists, Jake must fight a “real boxer” to earn the respect he desires.
Despite the fact that Fury’s opponents thus far in his career have a combined record of 14-174-5, he has credibility. Tommy is about the same height as Jake, but he weighs 180lbs, which still gives Paul a bit of a size advantage.
Although Jake is only four fights in, there has been a clear rise in competition every time he has stepped in the ring. He started with a YouTuber, then he advanced to an athlete, then a fighter with a wrestling background, then a fighter who can strike. As Jake Paul progresses and the opponents get a bit tougher, Tommy Fury is the perfect next step up in competition.
It is also without question, this is the biggest fight Tommy Fury can take next, in the United States or otherwise. You could make an argument that Jake Paul is the biggest fight in boxing right now and for Tommy Fury, that is a stage that he can not pass up this early in his career.
Both men are closely skilled, although you probably have to give Jake the advantage as shocking as this may sound. However, based on Sunday, Jake may have more potential as a boxer. For Jake Paul, this is a winnable fight against a credible boxer. For Tommy Fury this is a chance to end the Problem Child’s hype train. As both these young fighters progress in their young careers this is no doubt, the fight to make.
What do you think? Should Jake Paul and Tommy Fury fight each other next?
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