Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley’s jaunt into professional boxing came up short on Sunday as the former 5-time UFC welterweight champion lost a split decision bout against Jake “The Problem Child” Paul.
Woodley wouldn’t et his jab go through the entire fight, and it cost him the “W.”
.@jakepaul reacts to @KingJames tweeting about #PaulWoodley at the post-fight presser.
Watch live now: https://t.co/IjFVHw93v7 pic.twitter.com/4zfdF6xvIJ
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) August 30, 2021
In Cleveland, Ohio, Paul and Woodley sold out the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with a crowd of 16,000 fans live on an action-packed SHOWTIME PPV telecast.
The judges scored 78-74 and 77-75 for Paul and 77-75 for Woodley.
“I don’t know what to say – he was a tough opponent and he’s been fighting for so many years and I’m still new to this,” said Paul.
The famous content creator dove into the world of prizefighting just three years ago and has now toppled two MMA champions, an NBA legend, and a fellow content creator.
https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1432199289246298117?s=20
“My legs felt weird, I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. All respect to Tyron though. He’s a Hall of Famer and put up a good fight. I have nothing but respect for him. There’s no hard feelings. This feels amazing to do this for my city and it’s a dream come true.”
Woodley was a clear step-up from Paul’s previous three opponents, as Paul was hesitant initially. Still, his confidence grew as he realized his reach and height advantage presented issues for Woodley.
The 39-year-old Woodley, who was making his pro boxing debut, landed the most meaningful punch of the night, rocking Paul with an overhand right that sent Paul against the ropes.
https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1432198437747970057?s=20
However, Paul was more active out-landing Woodley 71-52 in total punches, while Woodley out-landed Paul in power punches 41-35.
“He hit me with one shot the whole fight, and it was a good shot,” said the polarizing Paul. “It was one real good shot. I don’t know what that one judge saw. But l still got the victory. For me to come here and go eight rounds in my fourth fight, who does that? I’m doing things that have never been done.”
However, Woodley believed he did enough to get the win in his professional boxing debut.
“I feel like I won the fight,” said St. Louis’ Woodley. “Jake is a great opponent. I didn’t expect him to eat my punches like that. But the fact that one judge only gave me two rounds is insane.
“Forget that Tommy Fury fight. Let’s run that back. Nobody is going to sell the PPV like we did. The ropes held him up when I hit him. I could have had that knockdown. I walked him down and landed back time and time again. I landed power punches, he missed shots all night.”
should I make him my next son? https://t.co/H6igxf4I6u
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) August 30, 2021
Paul said he was only willing to give Woodley a rematch if he tattooed: I LOVE JAKE PAUL on his leg, to which Woodley agreed in the ring. Neither fighter revealed if Woodley has gone through with the request.
