Jake “The Problem Child” Paul has left no doubt.
In his rematch with Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley, the internet influencer-turned-boxer kept his KO average intact in his rematch with Woodley. Paul registered a compelling argument for Knockout of the Year in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,685 screaming fans at AMALIE Arena in Tampa.
I’ve KO’ed everyone I’ve fought. pic.twitter.com/Pz55uCIHc4
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 19, 2021
The fight was broadcast live on an action-packed Showtime PPV telecast Saturday night.
All it took was one punch for boxing’s unlikeliest new star to silence his critics. Paul proved with the win that his power ranks among the most devastating in the sport and carries into the later rounds.
A deadly right hand connected flush on Woodley’s chin in the sixth round, sending him face-first into the canvas and knocking the former UFC Champion out cold in a moment that reminded the world of the face-plant finish Paul did to former NBA great Nate Robinson.
“This has to be the greatest moment of my life,” said the 24-year-old Paul. “Look at what I just did. Look at the year I just had. Unprecedented. One of the most valuable boxers in this sport. Four fights. Four massive pay-per-views in 13 months. I’ve knocked out every single person that I’ve fought. Every single person that I’ve fought.”
It's not a @JakePaul fight night without an 8-foot tall robot. #PaulWoodley https://t.co/rdcB7to6SZ
— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) December 19, 2021
In addition to scoring the most emphatic win of his young career and moving to a perfect 5-0 with four KOs, Paul also had to fight through the most adversity he has faced yet.
Paul suffered a deep cut on his forehead in the third round after Woodley’s elbow accidentally clipped him.
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“It was a tough fight,” Paul said in the post-fight interview. “The blood was getting in my eye from when he elbowed me. I got the job done, and I knew it would happen like that. I was setting up the shot the whole fight, and he didn’t see it coming.”
Before the closing moments, it was a close fight. Paul was ahead on all three judges’ score cards at the stoppage.
Jake Paul’s UK themed entrance gear was a dig at Tommy Fury 🇬🇧 #PaulWoodley pic.twitter.com/3M4dvUXTsv
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) December 19, 2021
However, the former MMA star Woodley (0-2) was the busier fighter. Woodley reversed the perceived stagnation in his first fight by letting his hands go and staying after Paul during the bout.
After taking the fight on short notice following Tommy Fury’s withdrawal, Woodley threw 184 punches, compared against Paul’s 170. Each fighter connected on 43 punches, but Paul’s message-sending KO is the only one that mattered in the end.
“Tyron is a legend,” Paul said. “Don’t take anything away from his career as a UFC champion. I respect him for taking this fight on two weeks’ notice because Tommy Fury backed out of the fight. That was a tough fight right there.”
Might have to call this the #JakePaul #challenge 🤷🏾♂️ starting to look familiar… sheesh pic.twitter.com/V38u6ZTWo5
— Mr. Nobody (@BigGameJames420) December 19, 2021
Woodley was gracious in defeat, learning the difference between mixed martial arts and boxing.
“I don’t know why I dropped my hands,” said Woodley in the post-fight press conference. “In this sport it only takes one mistake. Literally, one mistake.”
Jake Paul continues to make his case for boxing legitimacy, leaving the question: Do you believe him now?
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