TAMPA, Florida — Jake Paul’s ascent in the world of boxing isn’t stopping any time soon. Actually, it might just be getting started.
Paul, the YouTube star-turned-prizefighter, knocked out former UFC champion tyron woodley at 2:12 of the sixth round in a rematch Saturday night at Amalie Arena. In what was a lackluster fight before the finish, Paul walloped Woodley with a huge right hand — and Woodley was out cold on contact, face-planting to the mat.”This is as real as it f—ing gets, just like my right hand,” Paul said after the win.The bout was contracted for 192 pounds over eight rounds. Paul beat Woodley in the first fight via split decision on Aug. 29 in Paul’s hometown of Cleveland. Saturday’s bout had a clause that if Woodley knocked out his foe he would win an extra $500,000. But Paul was the one with the spectacular stoppage victory.
Woodley replaced Paul’s original opponent, Tommy Fury, the half brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, on just two weeks’ notice when Tommy Fury withdrew due to a broken rib and a chest infection.”This guy is a legend,” Paul said of Woodley. “I respect him for taking this fight on two weeks’ notice, because Tommy Fury is a b—-.”Paul dealt with some adversity in the fight, getting cut on an errant elbow in the third round. It was a fairly big gash on his forehead, over his right eye, and blood was trickling down his face the rest of the fight.In his postfight interview, Paul disparaged UFC stars nate diaz and jorge masvidal .
Paul (5-0) made his name as a social media influencer, first on Vine then YouTube. He owns pro boxing knockouts over YouTuber AnEsonGib, NBA veteran nate robinson and former mma champion ben arsken.
Paul, 24, made his pro boxing debut in January 2020, and he has now ventured into the promotional game. His Most Valuable Promotions company promoted the card, with Showtime distributing on pay-per-view.
“I’ve knocked out every single person that I’ve fought,” Paul said.
Woodley (0-2) is considered one of the best MMA welterweights of all time. The Ferguson, Missouri, native held the UFC welterweight title from 2016 to 2019. Woodley, 39, was released by the UFC in March following a fourth straight loss to top 170-pound competition.
