Jake Paul has suffered the first defeat of his boxing career in a massive boilover loss to Tommy Fury.
Fury stunned the boxing world in Saudi Arabia on Monday morning, getting up off the canvass to win via a split judges’ decision.
As it happened - How the action was captured by Cameron McMillan on the Herald:
The undercard earlier delivered several explosive knockout wins and the drama went to another level in the main event.
Paul knocked Fury down in the final round but it was not enough to overcome Fury’s domination of the earlier rounds.
The judges awarded the victory to Fury via a 74-75, 76-73 x2 scorecard. Official stats showed Fury landed 88 punches compared to his opponent’s 49.
Both fighters after the fight agreed to a re-match.
There was earlier last-minute drama when the event was rocked by a fake so-called “script” being leaked by boxing rival, accusing the fight of being fixed.
Veteran fighter Mike Perry uploaded a photo to his Twitter page alleging it to be the “script” of the fight between Paul and Fury. Promoters have insisted the “script” is entirely false.
Just moments before making his walk to the ring, Paul said: “They came for a show and I’m going to put on a show.
“I’m excited, but really it’s just another sparring session. I’m gonna go out there, rob the bank, catch a body and go home.”
There were also boos from the crowd as Paul delayed the fight by several minutes, refusing to leave his dressing room in a blatant attempt to get into his opponent’s head.
Fury was also booed by the crowd as he was introduced in the ring by Michael Buffer.
Paul certainly delivered on his promise to put on a show and the Youtuber has won more respect as a legitimate fighter for his display in the ring.
Round by round scores show rollercoaster drama
Round 1 — Tommy Fury lands the best shot of the round with a one-two combination. Paul appeared to be hurt by the right hand that landed just seconds before the end of the round. Paul appeared to let one punch fly after the bell had already sounded.
Round 2 — An even round. Neither fighter was able to land a telling punch. Fury controlling the round with his jab. Combat sport journalist Peter Carroll posted on Twitter: “We’re only two rounds in, but I’m pretty sure Jake Paul has never been in a fight like this”.
Round 3 — A close round that could have gone either way.
Round 4 — Jake Paul appears to be working his opponent out. The American began to land some good shots. However, boxing coach Larry Wade told the international TV broadcast Fury looks “comfortable” in the ring. Compubox stats show Fury has landed 44 punches compared to Paul’s 27.
Round 5 — Jake Paul has been deducted a point for punching the back of Fury’s head. Despite this, the round is Paul’s best of the fight so far, landing an overhand right that appeared to hurt his opponent.
Round 6 — A cut has opened up under the left eye of Jake Paul. The social media sensation looks to be in trouble before the round is turned on its head when Fury is deducted a point for excessive holding. The referee is being slammed for his over-the-top officiating with commentators declaring the referee had no feel for how to officiate a fight between two mid-level boxers.
Round 7 — Both fighters look fatigued and the exchanges are getting messy. “This is what we call dirty boxing,” boxing TV commentator Ray Flores said. Paul likely leads the fight four rounds to three.
Round 8 — Fury is sensationally knocked down in the first minute of the final round. It is a complete mystery which way the judges will score the fight as a result of Paul’s late knockdown.
- news.com.au
The 22-year-old's selection is about so much more than just statistics.