Tag Archives: Jake Paul

Posted on 07/12/2022

by John “Gutterdandy” Walker

Back when WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury of the UK knocked out former title holder Deontay Wilder in November, 2021, it seemed as if the stock of the Fury clan–Tyson Fury, his father “Gypsy” John Fury, his half-brother Tommy Fury–could only keep rising.  

Tyson Fury had now beaten the American, one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, twice out of three tries, and even their first meeting, which was called a draw, many believed was also in reality a Fury win, as the Brit fighter appeared to have easily won the majority of the rounds.

However, since that last fight in this heavyweight trilogy, it seems that flying too close to the sun has caused the Fury clan’s collective wings to begin to melt. 

Gypsy John Fury, an ex-convict and former heavyweight boxer who often seems to live vicariously through the exploits of his son Tyson, quickly escalated his already boisterous rhetoric following his son’s latest win over Wilder.  He appeared to become intoxicated by his many media appearances, and soon he was making ever wilder claims not only about the boxing prowess of his son Tyson, but of himself. 

Gypsy John now began to claim that he could beat many of the fighters his son was being matched against.  He also said he was issuing a challenge to any man in his 50s who thought he could defeat John Fury to step up and offer a challenge, and then see how badly they would be beaten up.  “Pop Pop, BANG, on the floor, end of, ya bum” became Gypsy John’s comical motto.

Gypsy John proclaimed himself the “best 50 odd-year-old man in the world” when it came to fighting and when it came to virility.  His on-camera commentating performances grew ever more hyperbolic, as he bellowed “pop pop BANG” while physically demonstrating how quickly he would dispose of any challenger. 

But what John Fury wasn’t counting on was Mickey Theo, a gentlemanly bodybuilder two years older than Gypsy John, soon taking up his challenge.  Theo began making numerous appearances on the boxing-themed YouTube channel Porky’s Corner, where Theo–his heavily veined, Popeye-looking forearms bulging –and sardonic host “The Pork” aka “Porky” began to challenge Gypsy John to meet Theo in the ring, with the proceeds from ticket sales going to the British National Health Service.

To make things spicier, Theo and The Pork managed to dig up two clips of Gypsy John Fury getting knocked out during his own professional career in devastating fashion.  The two men howled with laughter while watching the clips and mocking Fury’s lack of boxing prowess.  “Come on John, ‘pop pop Bang, end of, ya bum!'” laughed The Pork.  The man shown writhing on the canvas in pain, beaten down, in these clips was the same man now claiming he could beat any 50-year-old fighter alive? Really?

Suddenly, John Fury became less interested in fighting another man in his 50s.  Rumors soon spread that bodybuilder-turned-boxer Theo had knocked out a professional fighter with a hard body shot early on in a gym bout.  Perhaps aware of Theo’s reputation, John Fury soon began to hem and haw, coming up with a variety of conditions and excuses as to why he could not or would not be able to fight Mickey Theo.  Then Gypsy John Fury suddenly went off the grid. Theo would continue to periodically pursue the fight, but at this stage, John Fury was obviously not up for the challenge.

From there, things have only gotten worse for the Fighting Fury Clan, as Jake Paul, the infamous “YouTube boxer” who already had a fight with Gypsy John’s son Tommy, a half-brother to Tyson, fall through, began to show a mastery of the social media trolling and mind games that had been the Furys’ forte until now, as Paul turned the tables on them. 

Soon, the Fury family would fall into almost complete disarray as Jake Paul called them on all of their overblown rhetoric, exposing a web of seeming contradictions and hypocrisy in the process.

Tomorrow: Part 2, Jake Paul vs “Tommy Fumbles”

Posted on 05/07/2022

By: Hans Themistode

An unprecedented amount of Canelo Alvarez fans have swarmed the Las Vegas, area. The reason for their presence is a simple one, as Alvarez is set to return to the ring later on tonight to take on WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol.

But while Alvarez’s undying supporters have come out in full force, Jake Paul is of the belief that the pound-for-pound star’s upcoming trek to the ring will be a box office failure.

“Dmitry Bivol?” Questioned Paul. “No one wants to see that fight.”

Regardless of Paul being apathetic toward Bivol’s upcoming showdown against Alvarez, the Russian native believes he has what it takes to solve one of boxing’s most bemusing puzzles.

After failing to enter the ring for the entirety of his 2020 calendar year, Bivol bounced back nicely in 2021. Up first for the light heavyweight titlist, was a tougher than expected test against Craig Richards. While he would ultimately go on to pick up the unanimous decision victory, Richards fought Bivol on mostly even terms.

At the tail end of Bivol’s year, he looked remarkably better against Umar Salamov, as he scored the lopsided unanimous decision win. With the 31-year-old producing a spotless record through 19 professional bouts, Paul shrugs his shoulders as he downplays the overall drawing power of the Russian native.

Ultimately, Paul is of the belief that Alvarez has two well-known and more distinguished fighters who are more worthy of his time in the ring.

“Fight (David) Benavidez, quit ducking Benavidez, quit ducking (Jermall) Charlo.”

As Paul eludes to, both Benavidez and Charlo were offered to Alvarez as part of a two-fight deal made by Premier Boxing Champions Al Haymon. Benavidez, and Charlo for that matter, have urged the pound-for-pound star to face them inside the ring. But, despite their constant callouts and regardless of Paul’s chastisement, Alvarez opted against facing either foe.

Although initially apoplectic by his decision, both Charlo and Benavidez have moved on.

In the case of Benavidez, the former two-time super middleweight champion will square off against David Lemieux on May 21st, with the winner being awarded the WBC interim crown. As for Charlo, while he has stated on numerous occasions that he would eagerly and swiftly acquiesce to Alvarez’s weight demands and face him at 168 pounds, for now, he’ll remain in the middleweight division where he’ll attempt to defend his prized WBC title against Maciej Sulecki on June 18th.

Posted on 01/21/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Tyron Woodley had an enormous amount of hubris heading into his showdown against social media star turned professional boxer, Jake Paul. Though Woodley spent decades honing his craft in an MMA cage, the former UFC welterweight champion was steadfast in his belief that he could waltz into a boxing ring and put a halt to Paul’s hype train.

In just over one year, Paul decided to forgo his YouTube stardom and opted for a career in the pugilistic sport. As a result, the social media sensation scored concussive knockout victories over fellow social media star Ali Eson Gib, former NBA player Nate Robinson, and former MMA standout Ben Askren.

Despite his streak, Woodley was adamant that a showdown against himself would end in a painful night at the office for the eccentric newly turned boxer. Still, regardless of Woodley’s warnings, Paul eked out a close split decision win during their first showdown in August of 2021. Three and a half months later, Woodley attempted to redeem himself, filling in as a late replacement for the injured Tommy Fury.

But, despite Woodley believing he would even the score, Paul landed a jaw-dropping knockout blow in the sixth round. The moment Paul’s vaunted right hand connected, Woodley immediately face-planted, resulting in several Knockout of the Year awards being bestowed upon Paul.

Since suffering the cataclysmic defeat, Woodley has been publicly chastised. He’s also noticed that many are attempting to call Paul out, including his fellow MMA fighters and regular fans of the sport. Having spent 14 rounds with Paul, Woodley believes that if the former YouTuber decides to lace up his gloves and face everyone who continues to call him out, Paul would ultimately render his doubters unconscious.

“A lot of people are saying ‘oh you got knocked out’ but he would literally f*ck a lot of y’all up,” said Woodley on The MMA Hour. “MMA fighters and other people who are just bumping at the gums, he’s an athletic kid that don’t have no job beyond this. He don’t have no kids, he don’t have no business he’s running. He can have the best trainer, the best coaches, the best nutrition.”

Long before Woodley stepped into the ring against Paul, the 39-year-old believed that his overall fighting experience, albeit in a different combat sport, would lead him to victory. Still, while he was ultimately proven wrong, Woodley doesn’t view his latest defeat to Paul as a complete stain on his resume. Instead, the future MMA Hall of Famer is simply chalking up his loss to a flawless right hand that landed at the perfect time. Nothing more, nothing less.

“I didn’t really see me getting knocked out by a YouTube kid. I saw a f*cking phenomenal punch landing at the perfect time. That’s really the only thing that’s been playing in my mind over and over and over again.”

Posted on 01/08/2022

By: Hans Themistode

With yet another win under his belt, Jake Paul is convinced more than ever that he deserves the boxing world’s respect.

The social media star turned professional boxer started the second year of his pugilistic journey with a first-round knockout win over former MMA star Ben Askren. From there, Paul would follow up that victory with back-to-back triumphs over former longtime UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, the latter resulted in Paul winning numerous awards for producing a highlight reel level knockout.

Yet, despite the superlative words used to describe his recent performance, former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew isn’t willing to give Paul any credit.

“At the end of the day, he got in there with an MMA guy that he beat already,” said Bellew on DAZN Boxing. “Tyron Woodley is just not a boxer.”

Although Woodley has scored countless devastating knockouts, the former UFC star was a relative novice in the boxing ring. Having built his name and likely Hall of Fame game through his wrestling abilities, Woodley was taken out of his element during his showdown against Paul.

Due to his lack of experience in the ring, Bellew refuses to acknowledge Paul as a boxer just yet. If the social media influencer ultimately wants to gain the approval of Bellew, he suggests Paul face someone with much more skill.

“I’ll tell you someone he can face, Anderson Silva,” continued Bellew. “Anderson Silva is an MMA guy so he’s not a traditional boxer but I’ll give it that he’s a boxer because Anderson Silva has beaten a boxer. And, he hasn’t just beaten any boxer, he’s beaten a former world champion in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.”

As mentioned by Bellew, Silva spent well over a decade carving out a one-of-a-kind career in the MMA world. But, prior to Silva garnering the reputation as one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, the Brazilian native was a full-fledged boxer.

In 1998, Silva lost in his pro debut against Osmar Luiz Teixeira. Seven years later, Silva would return to the ring to score a knockout victory against Julio Cesar De Jesus. Although Silva would spend over a decade and a half focusing strictly on MMA, once that chapter of his career came to a close, he returned to the boxing ring.

In June of 2021, Silva picked up a split decision win over the previously mentioned Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In his return to the ring several months later, Silva easily stopped fellow MMA star, Tito Ortiz at the end of 2021.

Considering Silva’s overall boxing ability and his deep background in the sport, Bellew would be willing to concede to Paul’s boxing acumen should he defeat Silva. Until then, anyone believing that Paul is, in fact, a boxer, is simply erroneous in the eyes of Bellew.

“Face someone like him and then we can listen to you talk that you’re a boxer. Until you face a boxer, you can’t state you’re a boxer.”

Posted on 12/28/2021

By: Hans Themistode

There’s an ambivalence about Jake Paul.

From the moment the 24-year-old traded in his social media antics for boxing gloves, the sport has been mostly reluctant to grant him any respect. Yet, according to his equally as famous brother, Logan Paul, Jake should be revered.

After scoring knockout victories over social media star Ali Eson Gib and former NBA player Nate Robinson, Jake Paul listened carefully as many were urging him to face fighters with striking experience. To somewhat placate their wishes, Paul stepped into the ring against Ben Askren. While many were expecting a more arduous matchup, Paul made it look incredibly easy, scoring a first-round knockout win.

For an encore, Paul recently closed the rivalry on former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Following a close split decision victory over Woodley in late August, Paul emphatically proved that he was the all-around better striker, registering a knockout of the year contender in the sixth round at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on December 18th.

Despite the win, Logan Paul is slowly becoming acrimonious as many are still not fully convinced on his younger brother as a full-fledged boxer. However, regardless of their dubious words, Logan Paul believes everyone should put a sock in it.

“He’s 10 out of 10,” said Logan Paul during an interview with The Schmo. “He’s literally the best. There’s no more opposition to this shit, there’s no more questions. What do you want from Jake Paul? He’s done it. He proved you wrong time and time and time and time again, like shut up.”

With Jake Paul dedicating most of his time and effort over the past few years to the sport of boxing, the 24-year-old admitted that following his second win over Woodley, he fully intends on taking a long and much-needed break.

In the mind of Logan, his younger sibling has earned both time off and the respect of his peers. With Logan standing firmly in the corner of Jake for every single one of his victories, his eyes swell up in pride as he took the time to reflect on his younger brother’s sudden rise in boxing.

“As an older brother, I’m so f*cking happy for him. To see my little bro achieve everything he ever wanted and more in the most grand fashion, life is great.”

Posted on 12/22/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Jake Paul’s foray into the boxing world has no end in sight. After putting together a strong but unusual year in 2020, knocking out social media star Ali Eson Gib and former NBA player Nate Robinson, Paul continued his momentum with a trio of victories this year.

The YouTube star stopped former MMA fighter Ben Askren dead in his tracks in mid-April, knocking him out in the first round. He then followed that up with back-to-back wins over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Following his latest trip to the ring this past weekend, Paul gloated over his devastating sixth-round stoppage win over Woodley.

With his rivalry against Woodley officially closed, Paul believes a vacation is in order. Although millions upon millions of dollars are laced throughout his bank account, Paul claims that he hasn’t been on a true vacation in years. So, with three victories under his belt and years of training, Paul has admitted that he fully intends on kicking up his feet and relaxing both his mind and body.

Still, while Paul is currently sifting through various vacation destinations, he has an idea as to who he wants to face next.

As both Paul and Woodley swapped fists in the middle of the ring at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, UFC star Jorge Masvidal nestled comfortably into his ringside seat. Both Paul and Masvidal have traded antagonistic words with one another over social media for several months now. With Paul officially putting Woodley behind him, the social media star has now set his sights on the UFC welterweight contender.

“Masvidal, I got an offer for you right now,” said Paul. “$5 million guaranteed plus a percentage of pay-per-views. Let’s make it happen. That’s the most you’ll ever have gotten paid.”

On several occasions, Masvidal has warned Paul that a matchup between the two would lead to a quick and painful demise. But while Paul would love to face Masvidal next, he believes UFC President Dana White could be an impediment to their contest becoming a reality.

“Daddy Dana just has to let you out of your contract. You work for the UFC. You’re a bitch basically.”

Masvidal, 37, recently signed a new deal with the UFC in 2020. Since inking that new contract, “Gamebred” has lost back-to-back contests to Kamaru Usman, the latter coming via stoppage in late April.

Bearing in mind Masvidal’s star power, it’s unlikely that White agrees to let him walk for nothing. Taking that into consideration, Masvidal is now ignoring Paul’s offer. Unless, of course, the newly turned pro boxer adds a few extra zero’s.

“The UFC isn’t gonna let me go for chump change,” said Masvidal on his social media account. “Make that 20 guaranteed plus PPV and I’m sure the UFC will be ok with it as long as I break them off their fee and then I’ll gladly break your face.”

Before Paul has a chance to either accept Masvidal’s new offer or walk away from negotiating table, the UFC star has another alternative that Paul should consider.

“If the UFC still says no because the money is still too low, then come over to the UFC. Sign a 1 fight deal and we can stipulate I can only box in the cage. If I do anything other than that, I will forfeit my purse to you. Come over and get paid and laid out.”

Posted on 12/20/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Tyron Woodley enjoyed a wildly successful career in Mixed Martial Arts. For just over a decade, the St. Louis, Missouri, native fought the best of the best in the steel cage, and more times than not, his hand was raised in victory. But while his time in the octagon will likely lead to a Hall of Fame destination, his professional boxing career hasn’t lived up to his expectations.

For the second time in roughly four months, Woodley has come up short against social media star turned pro boxer, Jake Paul. After a split decision loss in late August, Woodley attempted to redeem himself this past weekend at the Amalie Arena, in Tampa, Florida.

Early on, Woodley fought Paul on even terms. But, in the blink of an eye, the former YouTuber turned in a Knockout of the Year candidate, violently stopping Woodley in his tracks in the sixth round.

Despite being winless in the squared circle and four months away from his 40th birthday, Woodley doesn’t see a retirement light at the end of his tunnel. In fact, for those who have pitied the former UFC star for precipitous fall from grace, Woodley isn’t interested in the sad faces and tear-filled pats on the back.

“I’m not done,” said Woodley following his knockout defeat. “Please do not look at me with sorrow eyes. Please don’t look at me and shake your head. I done f*cked a lot of people up. A lot of people had to have that talk in the locker room. A lot of coaches had to go back to the drawing board. It broke their heart when I took that from them.”

Although the goal for Woodley was to even the score with Paul and force a trilogy between them, his knockout defeat has changed his future plans…somewhat.

After suffering his fourth consecutive loss in the UFC, Woodley was subsequently cut from the roster. At the moment, the soon to be 40-year-old is a promotional free agent and has the freedom to do whatever he pleases.

Despite millions upon millions of dollars resting safely in his bank account and a likely gold jacket awaiting him the moment he walks away from combat sports for good, Woodley believes that his rivalry with Paul has reinvigorated him.

“That young hungry bull that went on that crazy run in the UFC and Strikeforce and all of these different organizations is back.”

In terms of what Woodley plans to do next, that’s an ambiguous question. While he built his name and legacy in the octagon, he isn’t ruling out a possible return to the ring. In the end, Woodley simply wants to continue brawling for as long as possible.

“I just want to fight man. I had already planned to fight four times next year. This doesn’t change the plan.”

Posted on 12/19/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Tyron Woodley was apoplectic when he was told the final result for his first showdown against Jake Paul four months prior in his boxing debut. The former UFC welterweight belt holder believed he did more than enough to be given the victory, however, he was forced to live with a split decision loss. While he was given the opportunity to redeem himself, the former UFC star simply couldn’t take advantage.

The animosity was clear from the very beginning as both men appeared anxious to get their contest underway. However, neither took control of things in the first few minutes.

Woodley sauntered out slowly. He kept his hands up high and crouched low. Paul, meanwhile, appeared much more relaxed. He pumped his left-hand jab right into the face of Woodley and quickly followed it up with an overhand right. While those blows connected, Woodley took them well. With just over a minute remaining in the period, Woodley began letting his hands go. He connected on a stunning left hand that forced Paul into temporary retreat mode.

As Woodley came out to start the following round, he continued his momentum. He continually pushed Paul and forced him to fight on the back foot. A visibly tired Paul seemed frustrated as Woodley continued to dish out punishment.

In the ensuing rounds, the action slowed to a crawl. In the process, both men began wrestling and maneuvering to gain an advantage in their position. Even with Woodley outmuscling his man, Paul remained calm.

As round six came rolling by, fans began getting comfortable in their seats as they mercilessly booed the none action. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Paul landed a clean overhand right. The moment the blow landed, Woodley immediately crashed into a heap motionless. While Chris Young initially began his count, he waved off their contest as Woodley was unresponsive on the canvas.

Posted on 12/18/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Before Tyron Woodley steps into the ring against Jake Paul later on tonight at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, the UFC star has a strong hunch as to whom he’ll face next.

Following a close split decision loss to Paul on August 29th, in Paul’s hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, Woodley was incensed with the results. Although Woodley admitted that Paul had his moments, the 39-year-old is convinced that he should’ve been given the nod. In addition to what Woodley maintains was shaky judging, in the fourth round, in particular, Woodley believes an injustice was performed.

During the period, Woodley landed a strong overhand right. Once the blow connected, the force of it pushed Paul into the second and third ropes, something that Woodley vehemently believes should have been ruled a knockdown.

Now, with Woodley attempting to get his revenge later on tonight, the former UFC star is completely convinced that once he takes care of business in just a few short hours, Paul will have no choice but to face him once again.

“You’re going to see a trilogy,” said Woodley to several reporters. “You’re going to see him get knocked out. When he gets knocked out on Saturday, you don’t think he’s gonna want to run that back?”

Originally, Paul appeared set to leave Woodley in the rearview mirror. The social media star signed off on a showdown that would see him take on his first actual boxer in Tommy Fury, half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Yet, with Fury forced to remove himself from the card due to injury, Woodley was given the call. With no hesitation, the 39-year-old quickly jumped at the opportunity to settle the score with Paul.

As Woodley patiently sifts through the 2021 boxing calendar, he can’t help but smile. The former UFC champion admits that there have been plenty of intriguing matchups throughout the year. But, considering that his first showdown against Paul generated roughly half a million pay-per-view buys, Woodley is convinced the combination of himself and Paul is a match made in heaven.

“It’s been a lot of fights with a lot of people but none of them has gotten the buzz of this fight. This is not the YouTuber vs. the MMA fighter. This is I don’t f*cking like you, you don’t f*cking like me. This is the biggest fight of the year, we took over 2021.”

Posted on 12/15/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Jake Paul has never been short on confidence. The social media star turned professional boxer has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the ring, racing out to an undefeated record through four pro fights.

Still, while his self-belief is normally through the roof, he’s fully convinced that this Saturday night will be his best showing yet.

In front of what’s expected to be a sold-out crowd at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, Paul is set to take on former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. The two originally tangoed four months prior in Woodley’s pro boxing debut. Despite promising to the end the former MMA star inside the distance, Paul was forced to settle for a split decision victory.

Following the win, Paul attempted to put Woodley in the rearview mirror. The social media star agreed to terms with a showdown against Tommy Fury, half-brother of WBC heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury. Although Tommy brimmed with confidence, he was forced to pull out of his showdown against Paul due to injury.

With Fury out of the picture, Woodley subsequently stepped in. Having had just two weeks to prepare for his familiar foe, Paul is of the belief that this time around, he’ll end his rivalry with Woodley once and for all.

“I’m feeling great. Best I’ve ever felt going into a fight,” said Paul to a group of reporters. “I’m 110% confident.”

Despite picking up the win in their first contest, Paul was disgusted by his performance. In the fourth round, in particular, Paul was nearly sent into the fifth row. During the period, Woodley landed a clean overhand right that saw Paul crash into the ropes. Although he ultimately regained his composure before eking out the win, Paul believes he’s more than capable of ending Woodley in explosive fashion.

In fact, as Paul puts the finishing touches on a long and arduous training camp, he’s fully convinced that Woodley will meet his demise before the sound of the final bell.

“I think it happens inside of five rounds. In the last fight, it was easy to tee off on him but for some reason, I stopped punching after my combinations. This time, you’ll see me keep punching and that’s going to get him out of there.”

Posted on 12/06/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For the first time in the career of Gervonta Davis, the hard-hitting Baltimore native had an opponent who refused to crumble underneath his normally deleterious power.

The three-division titlist and current WBA “Regular” lightweight belt holder, defended his crown this past Saturday night against Isaac Cruz in front of a jam-packed crowd at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Cruz, 23, fought Davis on mostly even terms, despite being pegged as a considerable underdog. At the sound of the final bell, Davis appeared relieved as he was handed a close but clear unanimous decision victory.

However, while Davis managed to escape with his world title still safely tucked underneath his arm and his undefeated record intact, Jake Paul is of the belief that Cruz was given a raw deal.

“I thought he lost,” said Paul during a recent conference call. “I think a lot of people would say that.”

Paul, who’s gearing up for his return to the ring on December 18th, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, against Tyron Woodley, went into details on how Davis should have picked up the first defeat of his career. Or, at worst, a draw.

“I thought they were going to give it a draw. He hurt his hand or whatever. For three rounds he didn’t throw a single left hand and some of the judges gave those rounds to him. Of course, those close swing rounds are going to get thrown to Gervonta but I thought he lost. Obviously, because he’s signed with Mayweather Promotions, Al Haymon and we know how dirty boxing is. Judges are being paid off.”

As Paul eludes to, Davis revealed that his struggles against Cruz, in part, came as a direct result of an injury to his left hand. Still, regardless of his physical ailments and considering their long history of back and forth trash talk over social media, Paul couldn’t help but return the favor.

“He calls me a clown but he had a clown performance.”

Posted on 11/05/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Time and time again, Jake Paul has brought about some of the more whackier events on his boxing undercards. Now, with the social media star turned professional boxer set to take on Tommy Fury on December 18th, at Amalie Arena, in Tampa Florida, an expected showdown between two fighters from opposite sports, is likely to take place.

As first reported by Shams Charania, an NBA Insider for The Athletic, former NBA All-Star Deron Williams will make his pro boxing debut. Although an opponent has yet to be finalized, former multiple-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore has emerged as a possible candidate.

For a number of years now, Gore has trained his body to deal with the rigors of an NFL season. However, as of late, Gore has shifted his focus more and more towards a potential boxing career. Although Gore has yet to officially hang up his cleats, he’s long expressed a desire to box on a professional level.

“I’ve been training for both — football and boxing,” said Gore to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com several months ago. “I’ve always loved boxing, so that’s what I’ve been doing. And we’re trying to make a fight happen. If we do that, you’ll see me in the ring.”

News of Williams trying his hand in combat sports comes as a bit of a surprise. Not because he’s known for swishing and dishing on a basketball court but because he’s mostly been linked to a possible future in the world Mixed Martial Arts.

Williams, a former state wrestling champion in his earlier days, has an ownership stake in Fortis MMA, a Dallas-based gym. Williams has also gone on record numerous occasions stating that he fully intends on competing in BJJ tournaments in the near future and consistently works on his craft.

Nevertheless, the former three-time NBA All-Star is now focused on making his professional boxing debut in a little under two months.

Posted on 10/29/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For the first time in his brief career, Jake Paul will square off against a true boxer. The social media star turned professional boxer, is set to swap fists against Tommy Fury on December 18th, at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

Since turning pro in January of 2020, Paul has been openly criticized for the level of opposition that he has chosen to take on. To begin his career, Paul easily stopped fellow social media sensation, Ali Eson Gib. Paul followed up that victory ten months later with a second-round knockout win over former NBA player, Nate Robinson.

With Gib and Robinson having no background experience in the pugilistic sport, Paul placated the wishes of naysayers to a certain extent, by taking on former UFC stars, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. While Paul easily walked through Askren, stopping him in the first round, Paul found his showdown against Woodley far more challenging.

Despite the one time UFC welterweight champion proving to be durable, Paul ultimately picked up the split decision win.

Just before Paul and Woodley settled their differences in the ring, Fury took on the unheralded Anthony Taylor on the undercard. Fury easily outworked and out-skilled Taylor, registering the unanimous decision win.

Fury, the half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has spent the better part of the past year jawing back and forth with Paul. Following their respective victories, the two crossed paths and began an animated exchange. Now, they’ll officially battle it out in approximately a month and a half on Showtime pay-per-view.

Routinely, Fury has stepped onto the scales between 179-189 pounds. However, for his showdown against Paul, both sides have agreed to a catchweight bout of 192 pounds.

Even with Paul displaying an extreme amount of self-belief, Fury is currently licking his chops as he’s prepared to expose the difference in class between the two men.

“I will show the world the difference between a YouTuber and a real fighting man,” said Fury. “I have been boxing my whole life.”

Posted on 10/05/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Both Tommy Fury and Jake Paul continue to hurl every derogatory word in the dictionary at one another.

After the pair picked up wins on the same card on August 29th, Fury’s coming against Anthony Taylor and Paul’s coming against Tyron Woodley, the two were seen backstage jawing back and forth. In an effort to have Fury put a sock in it, Paul has offered him a one million dollar purse. Although that may appear to be a hefty sum, Fury has turned it down as he seeks a bigger payday from Paul.

If the two are finally able to work out their financial differences, Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion and half brother of Tommy Fury, will be in attendance to watch them square off. While Tyson fully expects his younger sibling to take care of business against the social media star, if for some reason he comes up short, there’s a good chance he disowns him.

“His name’s Fury,” said Tyson Fury during an interview with Boxing Social. “If he can’t beat Jake Paul, I’ll have to change his name.”

The focus of Tyson Fury’s recent conversation may center around his half brother, but the current heavyweight belt holder has his own business to attend to. In just a few more days on October 9th, in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Fury will put his title on the line against Deontay Wilder in a highly anticipated rematch.

Discussing his upcoming showdown, however, is inconsequential in the mind of Fury as he believes he’ll defeat Wilder faster than the seventh round stoppage victory he registered in 2020. With the majority of the betting public predicting that Tyson Fury will take care of business once more, Tommy Fury doesn’t have that same backing.

According to most, a matchup between Tommy Fury and Jake Paul is much more of a coin flip. Regardless of the outside belief surrounding their possible matchup, Tyson Fury recalls a time where he spoke one on one with his half brother. During those conversations, Tyson recollects his younger sibling sharing his goals and dreams in the sport of boxing. If, however, Tommy can’t defeat someone with only a few years of boxing experience, then Tyson Fury is convinced that everything else his brother is hoping for simply won’t come to fruition.

“If Tommy can’t splatter Jake Paul, I’ll retire him from boxing myself. He’s got ambitions of being a world champion, never mind beating some YouTube guy.”

Posted on 10/01/2021

Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Women In Sports Foundation

Claressa Shields begins the second chapter of her MMA career on October 27 against Abigail Montes of Mexico.

After years of dominance in the squared circle, Shields admits the rise inside the cage is a more frustrating one. Likening personal achievements in the octagon to being a “kid in a candy store,” each passing day presents new opportunities for the boxing “GWOAT” to climb the ranks in her new discipline.

Speaking to BoxingInsider.com in-depth on Zoom, Shields discusses the inner workings of her MMA preparation, why she would never fight on a Jake Paul undercard, her admiration for her fellow women fighters (particularly Katie Taylor), and Flint Strong the upcoming film based on her life starring actress/singer Ryan Destiny.

Is Claressa the boxer different from Claressa the MMA fighter? 

CS: I would say when I think about myself inside of boxing,  I don’t have any doubts. And I don’t have many frustrations. And then when I look at myself inside the cage, because I’m just now starting,  I don’t have doubts, but I have more frustrations. So I feel like when I do good in MMA, I feel like a little kid inside the candy store. And then when I do good in boxing, it’s like ‘You’re the GWOAT, that’s what you’re supposed to do.’

I just accept it more when it’s in boxing, but when I’m in MMA and I’m doing it, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished a lot. So to be winning fights and have any success in training and stuff like that. I feel like a kid in a candy store.

There’s a disparity in how women are promoted in MMA vs boxing. But within that, the fans seem to respect [women] MMA fighters more than boxing fans. What do you think the MMA fans have figured out that boxing fans haven’t?

CS: I think the MMA fans have figured out loyalty.  I feel like in boxing we have this thing where you have to be an undefeated fighter for us to respect you. In MMA. They’re like ‘We’re gonna respect every MMA fighter especially the ones who we cheer for win Lose or Draw because it takes so much to get inside the cage and so much to be great at that sport.’

Same thing with boxing it takes a lot to be great at boxing too. But I feel like the boxing fans, are just like if you’re not undefeated then they don’t respect you as being the great that you are. You have one bad night…I mean we watched Anthony Joshua be damn near a unified champ and He lost to Andy Ruiz. I feel like the UK boxing fans are some of the most loyal fans to their fighters. And they all kind of flipped on AJ, you know, and saying like, “Oh, he’s not as good as everybody thinks,” or “he fights like an amateur. He got too much muscle.” They were saying all these mean things about him. 

Nobody was saying mean stuff when he was knocking all the good guys out. Then in MMA, like I said, Conor McGregor. I don’t know he lost his last two MMA fights last three. But guess what? His fans still show up to the arena to see him. Still say Conor McGregor is the goat, still, respect Conor McGregor regardless of his losses. That’s just the difference between the two fans. I feel like in MMA, I’m respected so much because boxers don’t make the switch to MMA

What’s a narrative you’ve heard out there that you just don’t want to hear any more?

CS: Women can’t sell tickets, you know, or women don’t have a large fan base. I don’t want to hear that shit no more because it’s a lie. I think it’s time for women in boxing to start getting the opportunities that men get to start being able to fight on major cards, pay per view, main events on all these networks, and also being paid correctly. You know, they make up all these excuses as to why women don’t get paid the same as the men.

Will we see a battle of the sexes match between men and women boxers?

CS: I’ve actually had an exhibition fight against a man. It was an exhibition by in Flint, Michigan for a charity event. And I boxed against this boxer from Detroit. I don’t know his name, they said his nickname was Mooka. I boxed against him and this was before they started all this exhibition stuff that they got now. I literally had on a dress, it was a ball gown dress. I ended up changing into my boxing outfit and me and him boxed 4 rounds. This was in 2014, 2015. I think it’s definitely possible, it just depends on what females you picking.

Thoughts on Jake Paul:

CS: I basically said to Jake Paul can beat me in a boxing match and I’ll never fight on an undercard of his. But I also said, to my knowledge, Amanda Serrano made $75,000 for her fight. And I’m like, but the guys made millions. That wasn’t right. The fact that what she was paid wasn’t right and that she wasn’t the main event wasn’t right TO ME. And that’s why I wouldn’t do it. And people were like oh, you [taking a shot at] Serrano? But I was like a no, the shot was clearly to Jake Paul.

Claressa Shields will face Abigail Montes at the 2021 PFL Championship on Wednesday, October 27th!

For our full, in-depth interview, visit BoxingInsider.com on YouTube or click below.