At long last, Jake Paul and Tommy Fury get to settle the score this Sunday. There will be no more trash-talking or social media exchanges from each as they meet in the squared circle in Riyadh. The boxing lines slightly favor Paul though Fury has vowed to knock Paul out every chance he gets. All this “hatred” may just be for show, but there is quite a history between these two.
Let’s check the latest Boxing news, stats, and Boxing lines. We’ve got plenty of Boxing picks for you to consider.
It All Started with Social Media (of Course)
Everyone knows that Paul and Fury began calling each other out on social media. But it’s actually Tyson Fury, the heavyweight champion, who started it. Tommy’s brother tagged Paul in the same tweet he praised his brother for coming off a KO victory against Scott Williams in March 2021.
From there, Fury made videos calling out Paul to which the latter replied and it went back and forth. Even Fury’s family, Tyson, and his nephews got into it by making fun of Paul. NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal made a cameo.
Tyson and Tommy Fury challenging Jake Paul to a boxing match. Shaq tell Jake to not be scared. pic.twitter.com/uoKWvFh39P
— Def Noodles (@defnoodles) May 20, 2021
Paul seemed focused on fighting ex-MMA fighters like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. But Fury and Paul would meet on August 29, 2021, during Paul’s fight with Woodley. Fury fought on the undercard and defeated Anthony Taylor, who was a sparring partner to Paul. From there, the rivalry picked up more steam.
Building Up Fury: Postponed Fights and Continued Jabs
The two finally agreed to meet in the ring with a bout scheduled for December 18, 2021. Of course, Fury pulled out of the fight citing a rib injury Paul blamed on Tyson. The canceled bout only built up more animosity between both boxers, especially toward Paul’s side.
It would also not be the only time Fury pulled out of the fight. When the two re-booked for August 6, 2022, he pulled out once again. This time, it was an alleged travel ban on Fury.
Paul would take out his anger by knocking out Woodley in a rematch and beating up Anderson Silva. He also took to social media and interviews to constantly berate Fury for “cracking under pressure” and for “ducking” him.
On Fury’s side, he defeated Daniel Bocianski on his brother’s undercard then drew with Rolly Lambert in an exhibition bout. Paul commentated on the Lambert fight and wasted no time insulting Fury throughout the match. The event culminated with Fury goading Paul to fight him from the ring as Paul continued to troll him.
Upping the Ante: Everything on the Line
Flash forward to February and Paul and Fury finally come face-to-face in the ring. With promises to knock each other out, the two will meet this Sunday in Riyadh. The online sports betting lines favor Paul though more is at stake for Fury.
Coming from boxing royalty, Fury may secretly acknowledge Paul that he will be “disowned” if he loses. Tyson is considered the best heavyweight boxer now. And his cousins, Hughie Fury and Nathan Gorman have won titles.
That is a lot of pressure on top of Tyson betting $1 million against Paul on this bout. Fury has yet to establish himself as a boxing star and he has yet to beat any opponent of note. In fact, Fury has trained so hard that, according to his father John, he’s breaking his sparring partners’ jaws.
What makes this bout also intriguing could also be why both boxers detest each other: they are from different backgrounds but in close proximity to each other’s level.
Paul got to where he is by being a disruptor — taking the non-traditional path by boxing “circus fights” and being a mainstream star. Whereas Fury is doing it through the more traditional means though he has a leg-up by having a household name thanks to the achievements of his family members.
When all is said and done, folks can bet online on who wins the fight and how long it goes. Paul has consistently been the favorite while Fury will be an underdog for the first time in his career. But regardless who wins, this rivalry may still keep going.
