Jake Paul will fight Tommy Fury in December boxing match in Tampa
Jake Paul has his next challenge – and for the first time in his career, he's fighting someone with a boxing background.
On Dec. 18, the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul (4-0) will take on fellow undefeated professional Tommy Fury (7-0) at a weight of 192 pounds. The eight-round fight will take place at Amelie Arena in Tampa, Florida, and air on Showtime pay-per-view, the promotion announced Friday.
Paul, 24, has become one of the biggest draws in boxing since his entry into the sport in January 2020. Since his delve into the ranks of professional combat sports, Paul has defeated YouTuber Ali Eson Gib (0-1), former NBA player Nate Robinson (0-1), former Bellator and One Championship welterweight champion Ben Askren (0-1), and most recently, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (0-1).
Following his split decision win over Woodley in August, Paul and Woodley openly discussed the possibility of a rematch. The discussion rode on the contingency Woodley get a tattoo with Paul's name on it – a bet that had existed prior to the fight as punishment for the loser.
Although Woodley got Paul's name tattooed on his middle finger, Paul passed on the rematch with Woodley and settled with boxer-turned-reality-TV-star Fury.
Fury, 22, is the half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury. On the undercard of Paul vs. Woodley, Fury defeated former Bellator fighter Anthony Taylor via unanimous decision. Taylor is a training partner of Paul. The lackluster affair received some criticism from fans who believed the fight was a lopsided mismatch.
In seven professional boxing matches, Fury has ended five inside the distance.
“I’m looking forward to my toughest challenge yet and continuing to prove the critics wrong,” Paul said. “ 'Fight a real boxer,’ they’ve said, and that is exactly what I’m doing. An undefeated boxer from the legendary Fury bloodline.
“However, this one is more than just boxing for me. It’s for America and showing the world there is no other country that gives you the opportunity to achieve whatever you set your mind to. It’s for every young person who has a dream and dedicates their life to achieving it. ”
