The wait for Jake Paul to face a "real boxer" will come to an end on Dec. 18 in Tampa, Florida. The social media star will continue his boxing career when he faces Tommy Fury, the 22-year-old half-brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The bout will headline a Showtime pay-per-view.
Fury is 7-0 as a professional, making him of an appropriate experience level to face Paul, who is 4-0 since turning pro in January 2020. After a win against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, Paul went on to score a viral knockout of former NBA star Nate Robinson. As pressure intensified for Paul to face a "real fighter," he scored a quick knockout of former MMA champion Ben Askren before earning a decision over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in August.
Woodley had petitioned for a rematch with Paul after a competitive bout but disputes over a tattoo bet were among the many reasons the rematch did not come together.
"I started my professional boxing career less than two years ago on [Jan. 30, 2020]," Paul said in a press release. "Four fights, three pay-per-views, two as the headliner, and one sold-out arena, I'm looking forward to my toughest challenge yet and continuing to prove the critics wrong. 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. On Dec. 18, I'm continuing to fulfill my dreams and turning a Fury into a Fumbles."
Fury fought on the undercard of Paul vs. Woodley and was positioned as a potential Paul opponent. However, Fury did not impress in a lackluster four-round decision win over Anthony Taylor. The idea did continue to gain steam after Woodley fell out as Paul's next opponent, leading to another Paul bet, in this case that Fury will need to change his last name to "Fumbles" if Paul wins. Apparently, Fury agreed to do so and the fight is now on.
"Jake Paul is about to learn a serious life lesson," Fury said in the release. "This is my world, and he doesn't belong here. I'm not one of these MMA men or basketball players, I have been boxing my whole life. On Dec. 18, I will show the world the difference between a YouTuber and a real fighting man. Thanks to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and Showtime for giving me the opportunity to shut this
