Paul will fulfill Tyron Woodley in a boxing game after this summer, both Paul and Woodley told ESPN. Several host cities are still under consideration, per sources, though an official statement on the date and place is anticipated shortly.
The fight is going to be a professional bout — Paul’s fourth; Woodley’s first — and will be contested at a 20×20 ring with 10-ounce gloves. The event, that will be distributed by Showtime, will broadcast . Fans are expected to be in attendance, sources say.
The bout was first reported by MMA Island.
This will mark the second time in a row which Paul confronts a former UFC fighter at a boxing game. In fact, Woodley was in Askren’s corner for that fight and even turned into a verbal confrontation with Paul and his group prior to the struggle while Paul has been getting his hands wrapped in the locker area. This debate, which was captured on camera, planted the seed for this showdown.
“I have a list of folks I plan on shutting up with my fists,” Paul said in a statement provided to ESPN. “And as I enter my fourth pro fight, I am excited to knock the first one off the record by challenging myself against a five-time UFC champion known for his knockout power. Tyron’s a seasoned striker that has fought the very best in the world. I certainly respect his profession, but I will be sending Tyron into a permanent siesta on August 28.
“Perhaps this time [UFC president] Dana White will actually be a man and put his money on his former champion instead of trying to undermine my achievement like a jealous ex. It’s showtime.”
Woodley, who obtained the UFC welterweight title in 2016 and successfully defended it four occasions, lately fought out his UFC contract, and that left him a free agent. Once considered the best 170-pounder on the planet, he represents the biggest step up in contest Paul has faced, despite the fact he has lost his past four MMA battles and is 39. Woodley parted ways with all the promotion with a 19-7-1 record.
White, that has become the target of Paul’s garbage talk in recent months, insinuated on Mike Tyson’s podcast before the Askren fight he would bet a million dollars on Askren to conquer Paul but afterwards said he was not serious about it.
Paul, 24, one of the most popular social media influencers in the world, has made a lot of noise in the boxing world since his professional debut in January 2020. To begin with, he TKO’d fellow influencer AnEsonGib in the first round. He knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson at the very first round late last year, also KO’d Askren two weeks ago.
This will mark his debut on Showtime, with that he recently signed a multifight deal.
“In only his fourth pro bout, Jake is taking on much tougher competition than any boxer does at a similar stage of the career, which normally includes extended amateur experience,” Paul adviser and CEO of BAVAFA Sports Nakisa Bidarian told ESPN. “Floyd Mayweather, who had been 84-9 as an amateur, entered his fourth professional fight against an opponent that has been creating his boxing introduction and ended his career at 0-4. Moreover, in his 50th pro fight, after going 49-0, he battled Conor McGregor, that was making his boxing debut.
“Mike Tyson’s fourth competitor was 1-0 and finished his career at 2-23. Jake is taking on a decorated MMA winner, known for his knockout power. And remember it’s mixed martial arts, which should you go on the UFC website and look at their intro-to-MMA, boxing is your first martial art listed. Tyron Woodley has been coaching boxing for much longer than Jake has. This battle will be fireworks. Thank you Showtime for believing in our vision and Dealing with Jake to do so.”
In accordance with Bidarian, he and Paul will serve as executive producers of the occasion.
“Easiest fight of my profession and largest purse of my profession all in 1 night,” Woodley said. “Basicallythey brought me to carry out the garbage. I can’t wait to close this up. This is getting done for its culture, the whole MMA community and boxing community, to rid this guy of combat sports”
That will occur only days prior to Paul’s older brother, Logan, also a social networking influencer turned aspiring fighter, takes on Mayweather in an exhibition boxing bout.
“We’re excited to start our partnership with Jake Paul, and also this fascinating Paul vs. Woodley occasion is guaranteed to be among the most talked about events of this year,” Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, told ESPN. “Jake has an incredible ability to capture the attention of his supporters and detractors alike. Tyron Woodley is an accomplished expert fighter. Jake’s willingness to undertake an experienced pro such as Tyron tells you everything you want to know about Jake’s goals and aspirations: he welcomes challenges; he embraces danger and he seeks to build a legacy in the game of boxing.
“Tyron Woodley will present a considerable challenge, which makes for a can not -overlook fight.”
