In a bout that was two years in the making, Tommy Fury won a eight-round split decision over Jake Paul in a cruiserweight bout in Saudi Arabia.

It was a tactical fight that picked up with Fury getting the better of the action by landing right hands. Paul fought back well and was able to get some good shots in.

In round five, Paul was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Fury was deducted a point for holding the head down. In round 10, Paul dropped Fury with a hard jab. That was not enough as Fury won two cards by 76-73 scores. Paul won a card 75-74.

Fury is now 9-0. Paul is 6-1.

Fury landed 88 of 302; Paul was 49 of 157.

Fury said, “For the past two years, this is all that has consumed my life. Broken rib. Denied access. Everybody thought I was running scared. Tonight, I made my own legacy. I am Tommy Fury.
 
“All through these past two years, I had a dream and a vision that I would win this fight. And no one believed me. Now I can stand up and everybody can take note. It’s my first main event at 23 years old. I had pressure on my shoulders, and I came through.
 
“This is my first main event. I’m only going to get stronger, and I’m only going to get bigger. There were a lot of nerves going into that fight, but I override that. If he wants a rematch, bring it on.”
 
Paul said, “All respect to Tommy. He won. Don’t judge me by my wins. Judge me by my losses. I’ll come back. I think we deserve that rematch. It was a great fight. It was a close fight. I don’t know if I agree with the judges. I got a 10-8 round twice. So, it is what it is. I’ve already won in life, man. I’ve already won in every single way. I have an amazing family. Amazing friends. Amazing work ethic. I’ve made it farther than I ever thought I would.”

Badou Jack Stops Makabu; Wins Cruiserweight Title and Becomes 3-Division Champ

Badou Jack won the WBC Cruiserweight title with a 12th round stoppage over Ilunga Makabu.

In round four, Jack landed a quick right hand on the inside that sent Makabu down on his back.

In round nine, Makabu started to bleed from his Nostrils. In round 10, Jack dropped Makabu again with the right hand. In round 12, Jack landed a booming right to the head that hurt Makabu badly. A follow up flurry on the ropes forced a stoppage at 54 seconds.

Jack now becomes a three-division world champion with a record of 28-3-3 with 17 knockouts. Makabu of the Congo is 29-3.

Jack said, “I was standing there too much. My trainer told me to box and move. That’s not really my style. I mean, I box. But I also like to come forward and fight. Makabu is a hell of a fighter. He’s an African brother of mine. We used to be training partners. He is still my brother.”

Ziyad Almaayouf won an entertaining four-round split decision over Ronald Martinez in a welterweight bout.

After Almaayoud came out strong, Martinez landed a perfect right to the jaw that sent Almaayouf down. Almaayouf was able to right himself by landing hard punches that snapped the head back of Martinez that thrilled the crowd.

Almaayouf, 145.6 lbs of Saudi Arabia won by scores of 38-37 on all cards and is now 2-0. Martinez, 142 lbs of Ecuador is 3-2-1.

Muhsin Cason stopped Taryel Jafarov after the opening round of their eight-round cruiserweight bout.

In round one, the first punch of the fight was a booming right by Cason that put Jafarov on the canvas. Jafarov had enough after the round, and the fight was stopped.

Cason, 199.1 lbs of Las Vegas via Baltimore is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Jafarov, 200.6 lbs of Azerbaijan is 18-6.

Badeer Samreem stopped Viorel Simion in the opening round of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Samreem dropped Simion with a hard right and the fight was stopped at 1:26.

Samreem Dubai via Jordan is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Simion, 138.6 lbs of Bucharest, ROM is 23-10.

Follow all of the action as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury in an much anticipated grudge match. The action begins at 2 PM ET with a 4-fight undercard that will feature the WBC Cruiserweight title fight between Ilunga Makabu and Badou Jack.

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Round 1: Fury going after Paul..Referee warning for holding..Jab from Fury..Right from Paul..Left hook..Right to body…Combination from Fury
Round 2 Jab from Fury..Right on the inside..Jab…Right down the middle…Jab..Right..Left hook from Paul
Round 3 Paul lands a jab…Jab..Jab..Counter left hook..overhand right…
Round 4 Hard right from Fury…Combination…4rights…Combination from Paul..
Round 5 Right from Paul..Right from Fury…POINT DEDUCTED FROM PAUL FOR HITTING BEHIND THE HEAD…Lett Hook from Paul..Jab..Big right from Fury
Round 6 Left hook from Paul..Uppercut from Fury…uppercut..Right..POINT DEDCUTED FOR FURY FOR HOLDING THE HEAD…
Round 7 Right from Fury..Overhand right from Paul..3 rights from Fury…Fury bleeding from around the left eye
Round 8 JAB AND DOWN GOES FURY…Right from Fury…Uppercut from Fury..

75-74 PAUL,,,76-73 Fury,,,,76-73 Fury

ROUND 1 Left to body from Makabu…Body shot..

ROUND 2 1-2 From Jack…Right…Left to the body with Makabu..2 lefts 

ROUND 3 Right from Jack….Right from Makabu..2 lefts to the body…Big right hook..Chopping left..

ROUND 4 2 lefts to the body from Makabu..RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES MAKABU…Right from Jack

ROUND 5 Right from Jack..Right hand..

ROUND 6 Left from Makabu…right hook..Right to body,…Left 

ROUND 7 Right from Jack..Right to body..Big Right..Right to the body from Makabu…1-2 from Jack…2 rights to the body…

ROUND 8 Counter right from Jack

ROUND 9 Right from Jack…Blood from Nostril of Makabu…Right from Jack..Makabu coming forward…right to body and jab..Left from Makabu..Overhand right from Jack..Right at the bell

ROUND 10 Left from Makabu…2 hard rights from Jack….Right to body..Flurry from Makabu..Big left from Jack…3 more lefts.

ROUND 11 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MAKABU…Big right from Jack..Right to the body hurts Makabu

ROUND 12 BIG RIGHT HURTS MAKABU BAD….FOLLOW UP FLURRY AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1: Almaayouf going after Martinez,,Big Right…Double jab followed by a right…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ALMAAYOUF…Right from Almaayouf
Round 2 Right from Martinez…Right uppercut…Big right from Almaayouf…Big left..
Round 3 Right from Martinez..Double jab from Almaayouf…Right over the top..Big right over the top..
Round 4 Double jab from Almaayouf..Left hook..Nice right to the body..Big right over the top..Left hook..

38-37 oN ALL CARDS FOR ALMAAYOUF

Round 1 1st PUNCH A BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES JAFAROV..Combination in the corner by Cason..Big right to the head..Right over the top…sweeping right from jafarov..Right to the body by Cason….THE FIGHT IS WAVED OFF IN THE CORNER
Round 2

Round 1 Left hook to body from Samreen..Nice right…right to head…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SIMION…THE FIGHT IS OVER

    •  Jake Paul 183.6lbs vs. Tommy Fury 184.5 lbs
(Cruiserweight — 8 Rounds)

   •  Ilunga Makabu 198.5lbs vs. Badou Jack 199.8 lbs
(Makabu’s WBC Cruiserweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•  Ziyad Almaayouf 145.6 lbs vs. Ronnald Martinez 142.5 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•  Muhsin Cason 199.1 lbs vs.Taryel Jafarov200.5 lbs
 (Cruiserweights — 8 Rounds)

• Bader Samreen 138 lbs vs. Viorel Simion 138.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

Paul vs. Fury will stream live on ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT), the exclusive digital distributor for the event in the United States. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $49.99.

By Norm Frauenheim –

It’s a main event, pay-per-view, between fighters with a combined 14-0 record compiled against YouTubers, a 3-time NBA Slam Dunk champion, a 47-year-old mixed-martial-arts legend and a guy – who at last count — is 0-47.

A pound for-pound list, it’s not. More like butchers, bakers and tomato can makers.

Step right up. For just $49.99, you can get ripped off, too. Plenty of customers will, of course. But there’s a market for it, proven repeatedly by Jake Paul, who is expected to deliver some more of the evidence against Tommy Fury on Feb 26 in Saudi Arabia

The Paul-Fury promoter, Skill Challenge Entertainment, knows that. So, too, do the networks. That’s why the bout will be staged on ESPN+, which from this corner gets more of a minus than a plus for selling this one.

But only the numbers matter. Paul has been generating big ones. He draws crowds. He gets PPV buys that Terence Crawford never has. And never will. But can he fight? That’s a stupid question.

He’ll say he can. Ever the provocateur, he calls out Canelo Alvarez. He rips UFC czar Dana White. He accuses UK promoter Eddie Hearn of a fix. Hearn sues, then says he’d still do business with him.

At the bully pulpit, there’s never been a bigger bully. There, Paul knows what he’s doing. Within the ropes, who knows?

But it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the show, and — in the here-and-now – Paul is the undisputed showman.

I’ve only been to one Paul fight. He scored a boxing decision over 47-year-old Anderson Silva, a former UFC star, at a jammed Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ early last December. On my scorecard, it was a draw. But a knockdown of Silva was enough to give it to Paul. No argument there.

Still, it looked as if Paul was just too easy to hit. He looked to be a long way from a main event, much less a chance at a champion or even a contender. He left himself wide-open for repeated shots from Silva. Maybe Fury, Tyson Fury’s brother, can take advantage. Maybe not. In Saudi Arabia, it might not matter in a bout that figures to go Paul’s way. Translation: Expect controversy.

That, however, would set the stage for what Paul does best. He’s the master of post-fight controversy.

The post-fight newser is an irreplaceable part of the show.

So, too, is the pre-fight newser.

That’s when I asked a question after welcoming Paul to former super-middleweight champion David Benavidez’ hometown.

Paul had been saying he wanted to promote Benavidez. I asked: Why not fight Benavidez instead? Paul looked back at me as though I was a nutcase.

Then in a sober, measured tone, he said he wasn’t ready for a fight at Benavidez’ level. No bullyboy response. It was the right answer.

A couple of days later, he called out Canelo. The Canelo challenge got the attention. The reasonable answer to the Benavidez question got little.

It was an instructive sequence, a plot line in a well-rehearsed show that must go on.

About four months later, Paul arrives in Saudi Arabia with assurances from the World Boxing Council (WBC) that he will be ranked at cruiserweight if he wins.

At first, I was confused. Did the WBC say ranked? Or rank? The Paul-Fury fight is more of the latter than deserving of the former.

Paul, a 26-year-old novice, has yet to face a full-fledged boxer. He beat Silva, who had some boxing experience. Silva beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Before Silva, he beat Nate Robinson, an ex-NBA point guard and slam-dunk champ. Then, there’s Fury, whose record is arguably even more problematic than Paul’s.  

His 8-0 record came against opponents with a cumulative record of 24-176-5. One, Genadij Krajevskij, went into a November 2020 loss to Fury at 0-11. After a TKO loss to Fury, Krajevskij lost 35 more bouts.

At 0-47, it’s a wonder that Krajevskij, a Lithuanian living in the UK, can get licensed.

To drive or fight.

But that’s another story.

It’s the promised WBC ranking that has generated most of the controversy. Presumably, Fury will get the ranking if he wins. But would there be any ranking at all if the fight didn’t include Paul? Sorry, that’s another stupid question.

It’s been pointed out that WBC rankings include 40 fighters in each division. Most other rankings only include the top 15. It was a revelation that there were 40 cruiserweights in the world. Who knew? But Oleksandr Usyk, now a heavyweight champ hoping to fight the other Fury, took the snoozer out of cruiser. He made it relevant.

But a Paul ranking threatens to return it to irrelevancy, even if he moves into the bottom half of the 40. But those aren’t the kind of numbers that matter.

To the WBC

Or ESPN.

RIYADH, SA (Feb. 23, 2023) — Jake Paul, the international superstar turned professional boxer, decided to answer the critics. He will face a “real boxer” for the first time, the undefeated Tommy “TNT” Fury, in the eight-round cruiserweight main event Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fury (8-0, 4 KOs), the half-brother of Tyson Fury, has been dominant since making his pro debut in December 2018. Paul (6-0, 4 KOs), nicknamed “The Problem Child,” has become one of the sport’s most popular figures with standout showings over former MMA stars Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Ben Askren. 

Fury and Paul have waged a years-long war of words, and that continued in Riyadh at Thursday’s press conference.

Paul vs. Fury will stream live on ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT), the exclusive digital distributor for the event in the United States. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $49.99.

In the co-feature, Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) will defend his WBC cruiserweight world title against former two-weight world champion Badou Jack (27-3-3, 16 KOs).

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jake Paul

“We’ve picked this guy apart. We’ve studied him. He makes a lot of mistakes. He’s great on offense. He’s got a great jab. Lots of combos. Speed. Good footwork. Good movement. He’s a good boxer, but he’s not a great boxer. His lack of defense and lack of head movement is going to be exposed on Sunday.”
 
“I always take every fight seriously. I’ve fought UFC champions. Tyron Woodley was winning the UFC championship when I was on Disney Channel. So, when Tommy says that he’s been doing this his whole life, none of that means anything to me. I’ve always trained harder and tougher than all of my opponents. And I want it more. I have more of a why. I have more of a purpose. I’m Tommy’s end goal. This is the biggest opportunity of his life. He’s never been on a stage like this. He’s never gotten a payday like this. He was getting paid peanuts compared to this.”
 
“Anderson Silva is one of the greatest strikers ever. So, to go in there and outbox him and put him on the canvas—to me this is a speed bump and a cake walk.”

“I’m so excited for this fight because I can finally silence the critics who have said, ‘Fiight a professional boxer, fight someone your age.’ I agree. I haven’t proven that. But this is why this fight is so big. This is why I’m so excited. This is why I’ve given this guy multiple chances and paid him so much money to finally show up. And it really seemed like the only time he wanted to get into the ring is when I increased the amount of money. So, thankfully he’s here now.”
 
Tommy Fury

“I’m in boxing and have goals of becoming a world champion. So, if I’m going to do that, I can’t be dodging people like Jake Paul. The first two fights didn’t happen because of it being out of my hands completely. In the first fight, I had a broken rib and the doctors advised me not to fight. In the second fight, I went to the airport with my full team and we were ready to go, and we were denied access to the USA.”
 
“Third time’s a charm, and we’re here. I’m in super fit condition. I’m ready to go put this all to bed because for the past two and a half years it’s been, ‘When are you fighting Jake Paul?’ To even mention my name in the same sentence is disrespectful to me, a person who’s been boxing my whole life. I’m going to clinically knock this guy out early.”

“You’re getting put to sleep inside four rounds. Let me tell you. I’m not an old man. I’m a fresh, young fighter. I’m going to put you away. You had two very lucky escapes from this fight. You should have taken those escapes. You should not be sitting here right now because this is bad for you. You should have stuck to making easy money fighting old men and celebrities. I’m coming to take your head off.”

Ilunga Makabu

“I just want Badou to keep one thing in mind. I’m going to break your nose. I’m going to break your chin. I’m going to break your ribs. Thank you.”

“I’ve been a world champion for many years. I’m a dangerous boxer. There is no way Badou can take my belt. I’ll go back home with the belt and still be the WBC champion of the world.”
 
Badou Jack

“I’m here to take his belt, to win. I’m here to become the first Muslim fighter to become a world champion in Saudi. So, I am here to make history. Everybody’s got a plan until they get hit. I’m glad that he is confident.”

“I still feel young. I feel fresh. I want to keep going, and I am here to make history. Some people, they win a title in one weight class. I won in two weight classes. Now, I’m coming for the third. And new!”

Sunday, February 26

ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, 8 rounds, Cruiserweight

Bader Samreen vs. Viorel Simion, 8 rounds, Junior Welterweight 

MIAMI, FL (February 23, 2023)—One of the most exciting fighters in the world, WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu will defend his title against the veteran Badou Jack on Sunday night on ESPN+ in Saudi Arabia as part of the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury card.

“Ilunga Junior Makabu will show why he is considered the best cruiserweight in the world,” said Makabu’s promoter Don King. “Makabu has all the tools to be one of the all-time greats.  After retaining his title, he’s ready to win the other belts to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.”

Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) will defend his title for the first time in a year.  He last fought Jan. 29 of this year in Warren, OH, winning a split decision over Thabiso Mchunu.  That victory was only his second defense of his title since Dec. 19, 2020.

Makabu won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in South Africa in scoring a unanimous decision over challenger Michael Cieslak  and defended the title 11 months later on Dec. 19^th and knocked out Olanrewaju in the 7^th round in Kinshasa.

Makabu, 35, who hails from the Republic of the Congo, has won 10 consecutive fights since his second career loss coming in the WBC World Cruiserweight Championship on May 29, 2016 when he got knocked out in the third round by Tony Bellew.  The bout was a slugfest as Makabu knocked Bellew down with a left hook in the first round.

Jack (27-3-3, 16 KOs), 39, who hails from Sweden, has won five consecutive fights, his last victory a split decision over undefeated Richard Riviera on Aug. 20, 2022.

Jack’s last title fight was his last loss on Dec. 28, 2019 when he fought Jean Pascal for the WBA Light Heavyweight championship as well as the WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title.  Jack lost a close split decision with two of the judges seeing the fight 114-112 for Pascal and the other judge seeing it in favor of Jack at 114-112.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Paul vs. Fury will be live this Sunday, February 26, at 2 p.m. ET/ 11a.m. PT in English and Spanish on ESPN+ PPV, exclusive digital distributor in the U.S.  The pay-per-view can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV for $49.99, separate streaming subscription required. More information here.  The event takes place at Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

In the much-awaited main event, international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.

Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue.  Paul’s latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year by dropping Silva in the 8th round.

Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career. 

In the co-main event, former two-weight world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” (27-3-3, 16 KOs) will challenge WBC cruiserweight world champion Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs). Jack is coming off five consecutive wins, including three by knockout, while Makabu will be making the third defense of his title. 

ESPN.com

• Can Jake Paul Actually Fight? (Timothy Bradley Jr.)

Out Thursday:

• Can Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul?
• The Not-So-Unlikely Way Jake Paul could Win an Actual Boxing Title (Mike Coppinger)

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real TimeGo all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
•  REAL TIME: Paul vs. Fury
• Boxing
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• State of Boxing

• Max on BoxingMax Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
• Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

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Paul vs. Fury (All Times ET)

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ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

LONDON, UK – January 26, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Queensberry Promotions announced that international superstar Jake ‘The Problem Child’ Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy ‘TNT’ Fury, younger brother of Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in an event produced by Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises.
 
The event, titled ‘The Truth’, will also feature two-weight world champion Badou Jack ‘The Ripper’ challenging WBC Cruiserweight world champion Illunga Makabu in the co-main event. The card will also showcase Ashton ‘H2O’ Sylve, an MVP undefeated fighter, as he is set to face former WBC world title challenger Maxwell Awuku 48-5-1 (33 KO’s) from Accra, Ghana with contracts being finalized.
 
This Saturday, January 28th, 2023, Paul and Fury will officially face off for the first time as they sit ringside for the Beterbiev vs. Yarde unified light heavyweight fight in London, live on BT Sport in the UK.
 
Paul vs. Fury will be broadcast exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK on Sunday, 26^th February.
 
Additionally, Paul vs. Fury will stream live in the US on ESPN+ PPV and via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.
 
Paul and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul went on to record a scintillating one-punch knockout of Tyron Woodley, who stepped in as a late replacement for a rematch of the pair’s August 2021 clash. Paul is giving Fury another chance next month so he can silence the critics who claim he has yet to fight a professional boxer. The 26-year-old Cleveland native started his pro boxing journey in January 2020 and will go head-to-head with Fury, a more experienced boxer from a prominent boxing family.
 
Paul, who boasts a professional record of 6-0 with 4 knockouts, continues to make waves in the boxing world. His latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva, won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, by dropping Silva in the 8th round. Paul began his pro career in January 2020 with a stunning debut against British YouTube star AnEsonGib and a subsequent, jaw-dropping knockout of former NBA star Nate Robinson in November 2020. From there, ‘The Problem Child’ shocked the industry with a first-round KO of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April 2021 and two wins over Woodley, including a vicious knockout which won him ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of The Year.
 
“The moment of truth has finally arrived,” said Paul. “On February 26^th, I will get in the ring with a ‘real boxer,’ an 8-0 fighter from a storied fighting family and show the world the truth about who Jake Paul, the boxer, really is. This fight doesn’t happen without the vision and support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Ministry of Sport and Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises. I am excited to come to Riyadh and put on a show for the world to see.”
 
Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury began boxing at the age of 12. He had 12 amateur fights, winning two regional titles and reaching the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. In 2021, he fought three times, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard, earning his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career.
 
“Jake Paul’s boxing career ends on February 26th and I can finally move on with mine,” said Fury. “Every time I go out right now, everybody asks me about the Jake Paul fight. After this fight is done, everybody will be asking me how it felt to knock Jake Paul out. The world is about to see what happens when a proper boxer faces a YouTuber.”
 
“Jake Paul has already achieved more than anyone thought possible when we started this journey three years ago. Six professional fights, five pay-per-views, over $150 million of revenue generated and viral moment after viral moment,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “Now it’s about The Truth. Is Jake a legitimate threat in boxing or has this been a spectacle without substance? Jake versus Tommy is one of most anticipated fights in history involving two young boxers and we are delighted to partner with Frank and George Warren on this event in the UK & Ireland, who have been tremendous to work with throughout this two-year process.”
 
“This is the fight Tommy has wanted for a long time, so I am thrilled it has all been finalised,” said Queensberry promoter Frank Warren. “I know how disappointed he was after twice being unable to make it into the ring with Jake, so I anticipate this will be a memorable occasion not short on spice. It is a fantastic opportunity for Tommy to extend his profile even further into the Middle East and American markets and the chance to bring Jake Paul’s boxing career to an abrupt halt. Credit to Jake, who I admire greatly, for jumping in with a boxer this time. But Tommy has the background and pedigree as a fighter that makes him the favourite in my book.”
 
The Paul vs. Fury event is produced by Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises (SCEE) and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), in association with Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank.
 
“We are very excited about the upcoming event featuring Jake and Tommy in Riyadh and look forward to welcoming them to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” stated Chairman of Skill Challenge Entertainment, His Highness Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. “With the consumption of YouTube content per capita in Saudi Arabia remaining one of the highest in the world, the highly anticipated bout featuring one of its most renowned personalities-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, will be amongst the most-viewed events globally. The excitement of this being his biggest challenge to date is very appealing as he takes on a legitimate boxer in Tommy Fury,” he added.
 
For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTNTFury, @MostVPromotions and @Queensberry or Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury and @MostValuablePromotions and @QueensberryPromotions. 
 
About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)
Dedicated to brand building, content creation, promotion, and strategic advisory, Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. Already making a name for itself in the sport of boxing and the overall industry, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. The promotion company has co-produced and co-promoted all of Paul’s latest matches including both fights against Tyron Woodley and his most recent fight against Anderson Silva, which included a co-headlining bout with MVP’s youngest signed talent, Ashton Sylve. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8^th most bought pay-per-view event in history.
 
About Queensberry Promotions (QBP)
Frank Warren is an International Hall of Fame promoter who has guided in excess of 150 fighters to world champion status across his time in the sport. In late 2020 he celebrated the milestone of 40 years as a professional licence holder and in April of this year, a multitude of records were broken when he staged the World heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Mr Warren’s Queensberry operation promotionally represent numerous champions, along with the most elite young talent in British boxing.
 
About BT Sport
Launched in 2013, BT Sport broadcasts in the UK and Republic of Ireland. BT Sport offers five linear TV channels BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2, BT Sport 3, BT Sport 4, BT Sport 4K UHD, six interactive BT Sport Extra channels and is available on BT TV, Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk. BT Sport is also available online and via the App on mobile and large screen devices and operates pay per view channel, BT Sport Box Office. As well as the sole UK rights holder for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, BT Sport offers live sport programming including the English Premier League, boxing, UFC, WWE, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup and MotoGP. BT Sport is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports following the creation of the BT and Warner Bros. Discovery sports joint venture in the UK & Ireland.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – June 23, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS^® and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on longtime nemesis and undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano will defend her Unified Featherweight World Title against power-punching Argentine Brenda “La Pumita” Carabajal in co- main events at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV. Tickets for the twin bill will go on sale Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. ET and can be purchased at www.msg.com. 

Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) will go face-to-face for the first time at a press conference on Wednesday, June 29 at Madison Square Garden to preview their highly anticipated showdown. Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) will also be in attendance while the challenger Carabajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs) will remain in Argentina to focus on her training. The press conference will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

Paul and Fury were originally slated to settle their differences in December, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul went on to record a scintillating one-punch knockout of Tyron Woodley who stepped in as a late replacement for a rematch of the pair’s August 2021 clash. While Paul expressed little interest in granting Fury another opportunity, he has since changed his mindset. The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year wants to punish Fury for withdrawing from their December fight and to silence the naysayers who have questioned the quality of his opposition so far in his young career. The 25-year-old Cleveland native started his pro boxing journey in January 2020 and is facing an opponent in Fury who is a more experienced boxer than he has faced and comes from a renowned boxing family.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to say yes to another potential matchup against Tommy after he pulled out of our matchup last year,” said Paul, who will face Fury in a scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout. “But ultimately, knocking out a Fury was too appealing to pass up. I’ve proven I am dedicated to boxing in and out of the ring, from promoting fights, championing fighters and fighter pay, to knocking out my opponents. The Furys cannot say the same, they are selfish tossers. On August 6, at the mecca, Madison Square Garden, the world will see why I am on my way to being a world champion. I’m honored to fight under the same lights as some of the greatest professional boxers in history.”

The half-brother of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury, Tommy won four of his first five bouts by stoppage after turning pro in 2018 and most recently dominated a 10-1 opponent in April to capture his eighth win in front of 94,000 fans. Fighting out of Manchester, England, Fury started boxing at 12 years old and won two regional titles, reaching the U.K. national final in 2016.

“The Paul brothers’ boxing charade is about to come to an end once and for all,” Fury said. “I am a boxer. My opponent plays boxing. Jake Paul has been dressed up to look like a boxer against retirees from other sports. On August 6, I will show the world that he does not belong in the ring. Thank you to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME^® for letting me permanently shut up Jake Paul. I look forward to headlining Madison Square Garden and knocking out this clown.”

After knocking out British YouTube star AnEsonGib in his boxing debut and defeating former NBA star Nate Robinson with a highlight-reel knockout, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April 2021 with a first-round knockout. Paul has since defeated Woodley twice on SHOWTIME PPV – the second time with one of the most devastating knockouts in recent memory in front of a sold-out crowd. Paul is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores.

After becoming the first female boxer to headline Madison Square Garden in her unforgettable battle against Katie Taylor in April, Serrano is back as the only female boxer to headline MSG twice. She takes on interim WBO Featherweight Champion Carabajal, a battle-tested opponent who has never been knocked out.

Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes. Her narrow split-decision loss to Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden drew a raucous, sold-out crowd of 19,187 who observed Serrano nearly finish Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round.

“I’m still in shock that I’ll be headlining The World’s Most Famous Arena twice in less than six months,” Serrano said. “Brenda is a very tough opponent and has never been knocked out, so I know I will need to be on my A game to change that. But I promise you, I am not leaving the outcome for the judges to decide. I am looking forward to fighting in front of my hometown crowd again on the biggest stage in the world and giving them the show they deserve.”

Carabajal captured the interim WBO Featherweight World Title beating fellow Argentine Debora Dionicius by majority decision in May. In 2019, Carabajal became the first Argentine female boxer to ever win a world title on American soil when she scored a unanimous decision over Elena Gradinar in Atlantic City, N.J., for the vacant interim WBO Featherweight belt. Born in the small town of Palma Sola in the northern province of Jujuy, Argentina, Carabajal was Argentina’s super featherweight champion from 2015-17 and was a silver medalist in the South American Games. She has faced six world champions and has stepped into the ring against notable names like Gradina, Maria Moderna, Paola Ibarra, Maria Capriolo and Tamara Nunez.

“This is the most important bout of my career,” said the 31-year-old Carabajal. “I know that my opponent is one of the best female boxers in the world but I want to face the best fighters. This chance finds me in my best physical and mental shape, so I’m going to take advantage of it. Nothing is impossible. I dare to dream of becoming world champion again, but this time in the majestic Madison Square Garden.”

The Paul vs. Fury and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and it will feature other exciting high-stakes, professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK – November 24, 2021 – International superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and U.K. reality TV star Tommy “TNT” Fury continued their war of words at a press event Wednesday in Morecambe, England. The two professional boxers will settle their months-long rivalry in the ring when they put their undefeated records on the line in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV event live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday, December 18.

Fury was joined on stage by his older brother, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson, and father and trainer John. Paul, who is in the midst of training camp in Puerto Rico, joined the event virtually. Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, also appeared at Wednesday’s event virtually.

Tickets for the live event, titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, are available for purchase now at www.amaliearena.com.

Below are quotes from Paul, Tommy Fury, Tyson Fury and Warren.

Jake Paul

“Training camp is good. I’m pretty much on vacation. We started this training camp two months before these professional fighters started theirs. So we got a head start and we’re cruising along. We’re coasting and this is the best I’ve ever felt.

“They are underestimating me to the highest degree. They can try to teach this kid up as much as they want in a short amount of time but that’s not the way boxing works. Tommy is green. Tyson is trying to train him like a champion but the kid is not a champion.

“I think Tyson should be paid Tommy’s purse because he’s promoting the fight more than Tommy is. It’s nice to have somebody on the other side of the promotion who actually has a following because I’ve been promoting all of these fights by myself. Finally Tyson Fury steps up to the plate and does some promoting. I’m sick and tired of carrying promotions by myself so thank you Tyson, I tip my hat to you. But I’m going to steal all of your fans. I’m going to knock out your brother and be on my merry way. Another payday. Another speed bump on the way to becoming a world champion and the biggest prizefighter in the world.

“These people think they can come in and beat me because they have amateur careers or they’re professional this or they’re UFC that. They don’t understand what they’re getting in there with. It’s funny to see each and every one of them fail in front of the world and the same exact thing is going to happen to Tommy. To me, this is an easier fight than Tyron [Woodley]. This is a young kid who has never had a real fight and I’m going to knock him out. He doesn’t have a chin. He’s never even been hit hard by anybody.”

Tommy Fury

“I’m feeling good. Fit, ripped and ready to go as always. I’ve done hard work on the road. Hard work in the gym. I’m sparring top-quality operators. Olympians, world champions.

“Hype doesn’t win fights. Talking doesn’t win fights. Fighting wins fights. That’s as simple as it is. I’m not engaged in all this. I’ve not been on Instagram because I don’t care. I don’t care what he says, does or thinks. It’s not important because when he jumps through them ropes on December 18 and he realizes I’m not a YouTuber, I’m not a basketball player, I’m not a wrestler, I’m not a UFC fighter, and he gets hit with a nice sharp jab square in his jaw, he’s going to be thinking, ‘What have I signed myself up for here?’”

“I can guarantee in four or five rounds, he’s going to say, ‘B.J. [Flores], pull me out!’ This is easy money for me. Thank you for taking the fight. I’ve won the lottery. I’m going to rob the bank and I’m not going to go to jail for it. So thank you very much. Don’t pull out and I’ll see you December 18.

“You want to pay me millions of pounds to go over there and fight somebody that looks like him? 100 percent, sign me up. This is easy money because this is a bum who cannot fight. I’m going to show that on December 18. When he gets in that ring against me, he’s going to find his level. He’s going to be out of there in the first round because he cannot fight. He can’t dream about beating me.”

Tyson Fury

“This is entertainment. These two young fellas are going to go out there and put it all on the line. Somebody is going to get beaten. Someone’s ‘O’ has got to go and that’s how boxing works. Jake is over there in Puerto Rico training hard. Tommy is here in Morecambe training hard. On December 18, poor old Jake Paul is going to get severely knocked out and that’s it.”

Frank Warren

“For me, this is very exciting because I’ve never been involved in anything like this. This is an ongoing social media feud and it’s brewing and it’s getting worse and worse. Come the night, all the talking will be done. What you’re going to see is somebody in Jake Paul who has done brilliantly in the way he’s promoted himself, he obviously takes it seriously as a boxer, but he doesn’t have any amateur background. And then you have Tommy who does have an amateur background and comes from a traditional boxing family and he’s had several fights as a pro.

“This is a real reality check as far as Jake is concerned. And also for Tommy. Because I expect Tommy to win this fight. I expect him to come through and be successful. But Jake obviously has a big point to prove to everybody. I take my hat off to Jake because he is stepping up to the plate. This is going to be in front of the world. It’s going to be a huge audience. The fact of the matter is, the winner of this fight – which I believe will be Tommy – is going to be one of the most famous people on the planet. They have everything to go for. I’m so excited to see what the outcome is going to be.

“I was skeptical. Absolutely, I was. But I went to Tommy’s last fight when Daniel Dubois was on the card and what amazed me was from the time the doors opened, the place was full. Everybody sat there and watched every fight. Whatever way you want to look at it, Jake brought a new audience to boxing. For boxing, that’s brilliant and I hope it continues to be the case.”

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK – November 16, 2021 – Three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams and legendary NFL running back Frank Gore faced off for the first time following a press conference announcing their professional heavyweight boxing debuts on Tuesday at Edison Ballroom in New York City.

Williams vs. Gore will take place on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, December 18 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa. The four-round heavyweight bout will be contested with a 215-pound contractual limit as the two legends make their professional boxing debuts. 

Also appearing at Tuesday’s event was seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, who will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME PPV event.

Tickets for the live event, titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, are now available for purchase at www.amaliearena.com.

Below are quotes from Williams, Gore and Serrano.

Deron Williams

“I’ve always wrestled all the way until high school and always been a big boxing and MMA fan. I’ve done a lot of training at my gym, Fortis MMA, in Dallas for the past six years.

“I’ve always wanted to do an MMA fight. I had one that I was training for before Covid hit but my opponent pulled out. It was always in the back of my mind and I’ve always stayed in shape and stayed training. I got a call from Nakisa (Bidarian) who I hadn’t talked to in five years and he said Frank Gore was training and looking for an opponent, and I felt like it was a great opportunity. I felt like if I didn’t take it I’d be kicking myself for the rest of my life.

“Frank looks good. If I’m going to do a fight I’d rather do it with someone who is capable and who has been training. The man is tough, there’s no doubt about that. Anyone who can take that many snaps in the NFL has to be tough. It’s a good challenge for me and something that I can check off the bucket list.

“Most people are behind me. I’ve had some people say, ‘You’re fighting Frank Gore. What are you doing?’ But that’s OK. There are a lot of unknowns in this game, so it makes it exciting. I’ve been training for years and doing a lot of MMA, and a lot of it has been boxing.

“I first started wrestling when I was like five. I didn’t really know what it was and I spent the whole season being dragged on the mat by my mom crying because I was so scared to go in there. But she said I had to because she had already paid for it and said you’re going to do this every weekend. So I basically went out there crying, got pinned, walked off the mat and then did it again for the whole year. The next year she asked if I wanted to sign up again expecting I would say no, but I actually said yes for some reason. I did that for about a half year before I turned into a little animal. So I think that year and a half of getting pinned made me tougher. Wrestling is a tough sport, and it was a great base for me and I’m really glad I did it and was able to go to the state tournament in Texas as an eight-year-old and 12-year-old. And I would have loved to have kept going but it was in the same season as basketball.

“I loved watching the heavyweights. Growing up in the ‘90s and watching (Mike) Tyson and all those wars they had. And watching (Evander) Holyfield. It was just a special time in boxing and there were still other fighters, but those were the ones I was watching and who I was excited to see.

“I jogged four miles yesterday and that was the first time I’ve ever run four miles. It’s getting out of your comfort zone and it’s a different feeling. Basketball, and football for him, we’re comfortable with that work. It’s learning to get hit in the face and being OK with it. It’s just a new challenge. I’ve been retired for four years now. You just miss competing. You miss having something to train for.”

Frank Gore

“l have always loved boxing. I’ve been training since 2005. I was doing it because it would save my legs since I play running back. I just fell in love with it, how hard it was and I’m very competitive. I was just doing it for the cardio. My first time I didn’t think I could do it, but I kept getting better and better at it.

“I’m definitely not doing this for the money. I’m blessed. I’m good and blessed with football and off-the-field stuff.

“I’ve always been an underdog my entire life. I was raised in a one-bedroom apartment. I blew out both of my knees and many thought I wouldn’t make it to the NFL. Sixteen years later and I’m No. 3 on the all-time list.

“I’m happy to be here and I respect Deron. He’s coming from the NBA and I always say any man who gets into the ring has got to be different. I don’t care what sport you play. I’m training my behind off for December 18.

“I know he’s trained in MMA and coming over from the NBA but he’s no Nate Robinson. He’s been doing MMA for six years so I have to respect that. He’s been wrestling since he was a kid. I’m training my behind off and the only one I can worry about is myself. I’m looking forward to the challenge and let the best man win on December 18.

“Football and boxing are totally different. When you watched me play I never really got hit. That’s why I was able to last so long. I played off of angles. Now, with boxing I’m going in there with guys that have had 300 amateur fights, are 10-0 as pros. So I can’t just dodge all the shots they are throwing because they have more ring experience.

“I would say jogging has been the toughest thing. In football we never jogged. We always did sprints and pulled the sled but I had to really train myself to jog. I had to put my mind somewhere else and work on it.

“My favorite fighter is Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.). There are a bunch of guys I like to watch now. I like Terence (Crawford) and I like Errol Spence, Tank (Davis), Shakur Stevenson. I just want to be the best of me. Whatever my coach tells me to do I’m going to go out and try to do and do my best to get this win on December 18.”

Amanda Serrano

“This fight is more important than the Katie Taylor fight. Miriam Gutierrez is a tough girl at 135 pounds and it’s not my natural weight class. I’m moving up two divisions. I have to get through Miriam in a way that people will want to see me fight Katie next.

“I would actually rather lose the weight than gain the weight. It’s so hard for me to keep the weight on because once I start training I drop it. I’m eating a lot of good foods and had to hire a nutritionist for this camp to make sure I’m strong. I’m a little girl, but I pack a punch wherever I go.

“I definitely want the Katie Taylor fight. That night could be the night I accomplish my goal and become the first undisputed boxer to come out of Puerto Rico. That would be an amazing night. Right now I’m concentrating on boxing because I have two amazing fights but in the future I definitely want to become an MMA champion, but right now it’s all about boxing.

“Pound for pound I think is a matter of opinion. Some people think I am, some people think it’s Claressa Shields. Katie actually fights the week before me so she has to look good, and I have to look good. I’m training really hard for Miriam. I know she is a tough girl and I’m just going to go out and be the best I can be and I think the fight with Katie Taylor is going to happen.”

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK – November 9, 2021 – Three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Deron Williams will take on legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore in a professional heavyweight boxing match that will take place on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, December 18 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa. The four-round heavyweight bout will be contested with a 215-pound contractual limit as the two legends make their professional boxing debuts. 

#PaulFury: One Will Fall is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME Sports^® and promoted in association with Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and will feature Paul and Fury in the main event in an eight-round cruiserweight bout contested at a 192-pound catchweight. Seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano will face off against interim lightweight titlist Miriam Gutiérrez in a 10-round lightweight bout in the co-main event.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on November 10, 2021 at www.amaliearena.com.  

Before his NBA debut, Williams attended University of Illinois where he played college basketball and led them to the Final Four in 2005. He subsequently landed the third overall NBA draft pick from the Utah Jazz. Aside from his time in the NBA, Williams also earned gold medals for the U.S. national team in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. In his boxing debut, fans can expect to see Williams’ all-around athleticism as he taps into his lifelong love for combat sports. As a child, Williams’ first sport was wrestling, which he competed in for eight years. During that time, he won two state titles. His passion for combat sports has remained an integral part of his training regime ever since. 

“Combat sports have been a part of my life since my youngest days. Before I was a basketball player, I was a wrestler,” said Williams. “Since 2015, I have had the privilege of owning an MMA gym, and through that I have trained in various martial arts to stay active. Over the last year, I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to translate my training into a professional debut. I’m making that happen on December 18 against Frank, one of the physically strongest NFL players in history.”

A University of Miami alum, Gore was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005 as a third-round draft pick and remained a key player of the team for 10 straight seasons. During his time as a Niner, the running back gained notoriety for his rare and impressive athletic ability. Gore received five Pro Bowl selections, earned the title of rushing yards leader and played in Super Bowl XLVII throughout his stint on the 49ers. Gore said goodbye to the Bay Area in 2014 and continued his NFL career playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. Ranked third in all-time rushing yards and holding the NFL record for most games played as a running back, Gore’s boxing debut is a must see. 

“I’m excited to be fighting on this card and can’t wait to show the world what I’ve been working on,” said Gore. “Boxing has me excited, and on December 18 expect fireworks!”

One Will Fall is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions. Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian created MVP on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the creators of the content in martial arts. Paul and Bidarian will be executive producers of the #PaulFury event.

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For more information on #PaulFury One Will Fall visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. #PaulFury

LOS ANGELES – November 8, 2021 – Seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will return to the lightweight division when she faces current interim WBA Female 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez in a 10-round lightweight bout that will be the co-feature of the SHOWTIME PPV event “One Will Fall,” headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury facing off in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, on Saturday, December 18 live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa Bay.

Serrano, who is No. 3 in the pound-for-pound women’s rankings, will make her second appearance on SHOWTIME PPV as she meets Gutiérrez. Nicknamed “La Reina” (The Queen) and having a professional record of 14-1 with her only loss being to Katie Taylor, Gutiérrez’s dedication and passion for the sport have only grown stronger as she looks ahead to her 16th professional bout, facing Serrano, the Guinness World Record holder for most boxing world championships won in different weight classes by a female. For Serrano (41-1-1, 30 Ks), it has been extremely difficult to find competition willing to step into the ring with her due to her impressive record and knockout power. In August, Serrano joined the SHOWTIME PPV Paul vs. Woodley card as the co-main event and earned a unanimous decision over Yamileth Mercado to retain her WBC and WBO featherweight title belts. 

Serrano will join Paul today, November 8, in Tampa Bay, at a press conference in the Budweiser Biergarten at AMALIE Arena beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

Titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, the event is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV and promoted in association with Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV, and will feature other exciting, high-stakes professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, November 10 at www.amaliearena.com. 

Puerto-Rican born and Brooklyn, New York raised, Serrano has become one of the most decorated fighters in women’s boxing history. Having recently signed with Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian’s Most Valuable Promotions, Serrano continues to make waves in her professional boxing career. The 33-year-old has won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, earning belts in those two divisions just four months apart with fights in September 2018 and January 2019. Serrano also won the WBO featherweight world championship belt in a high-profile showdown against Heather Hardy in 2019 and recently became WBC champion with a knockout win over three-division world champion Daniela Bermudez. As an all-around athlete and dedicated fighter, Serrano also holds a professional MMA record of 2-0-1 with both wins coming by way of submission.

“I’ve been training 24/7 for as long as I can remember and because of my dedication to the sport, I consistently look to challenge myself,” said Serrano. “Miriam is an extremely tough opponent, with her only loss coming to one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I am looking forward to stepping in the ring with her and proving why I’m at the top of women’s boxing.”

Born in Torrejon de Ardoz, Spain, Gutiérrez started kickboxing and boxing at a young age.  Following a year and a half of recovery from a horrific domestic violence incident at age 19, she began training with Jero Garcia and had her first amateur bout in 2009. Gutiérrez made her professional debut in 2017, winning by unanimous decision over Vanessa Caballero. Her 13^th professional match against Keren Batiz resulted in an impressive win and the WBA title of Interim Lightweight Champion. She then met Katie Taylor on November 20, 2020 in a Lightweight unification bout where she suffered her first professional defeat in a competitive 10-round decision. Gutiérrez is a passionate advocate against domestic violence and in 2019 was elected to the City Council of Torrejon de Ardoz, where she works to champion the rights of women.

“Amanda Serrano is an icon in the sport and when I step into that ring on December 18, it will be a pivotal moment in my career. I respect what she does, but it’s a risk coming up to 135. I’ve been competing at this level for most of my career and the competition is tough,” said Gutiérrez. “I’m thankful to my team, my family and my promoter Ray Events Boxing for their support as I train for a night of pure boxing entertainment. I look forward to bringing a great victory back to Spain.”

#PaulFury: One Will Fall is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul and Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Paul and Bidarian serve as executive producers of the #PaulFury event.

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

TAMPA – November 8, 2021 – International superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul met with the media at a press event Monday at AMALIE Arena in Tampa ahead of his showdown with U.K. reality TV star Tommy “TNT” Fury. The two professional boxers will put their undefeated records on the line in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV event live from AMALIE Arena on Saturday, December 18.

Also appearing at Monday’s event was seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, who will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME PPV event. Tommy Fury and his older brother, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson, appeared virtually at Monday’s event.

Paul also met with the media on Saturday at RedTail Resorts World Las Vegas to preview the sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight main event bout that was made after months of heated back-and-forth between the two men. Fury’s trainer, the highly accomplished SugarHill Steward, represented Team Fury at Saturday’s event. Paul was joined on stage by “Coach D,” also known as the viral internet comedian Druski.

At Saturday’s event, Paul spoke of his true passion for the sport of boxing and how it gave him a purpose in life at a time he desperately needed it most. “Boxing is my true home,” he said.

Tickets for the live event, titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, will be available for purchase on Wednesday, November 10, at www.amaliearena.com.

Below are quotes from Paul, Tommy Fury, Serrano, Steward and Tyson Fury.

Jake Paul

“I was a young kid in Los Angeles just getting caught up in the wrong things and surrounded by the wrong group of people and boxing gave me the chance to take my life back and the follow a routine and to have a purpose. It gave me something to fight for. I wasn’t meant for L.A., although I thought I was.

“Tommy claims to have been doing this his whole life and he’s had this amateur career, and he’s been around it and that is true, but he hasn’t worked as hard as me. I see a green guy who hasn’t sparred enough times and who has only been put in there with opponents that were meant to lose. This is his first real test where his opponent just doesn’t flop over. You’re going to see that. You’re going to see a fighter who is a virgin, in my opinion. He has no idea what he’s getting himself into. This is his first time under the big lights and on the big stage, and he’s going to crack under the pressure.

“Just the fact that Amanda Serrano is the G-W-O-A-T, the greatest woman of all time. There’s no debating that. I like to work with people who are cool and Amanda and I just clicked from day one. She needs to be put on a bigger platform and that’s where Most Valuable Promotions comes in. She’s a star and she’s got the record and all the accolades. You hear it all the time, the best boxer in the world who isn’t getting paid or isn’t as big a star as they should be. So that’s the formula that I’ve figured out and I’ve developed. The marketing, the content, the branding, the entertainment side. And that’s what we hope to give to Amanda Serrano and other boxers alike. We want to elevate this sport as much as possible and bring more eyeballs to the best, and that’s exactly what Amanda Serrano is. The potential is huge. We are already eyeing, in 2022, the biggest women’s boxing match of all time with Amanda Serrano versus Katie Taylor and we’ve been working with Eddie Hearn to get that done.

“Tommy Fury hasn’t been tested. We will see how he responds and I think that’s the beautiful thing about this fight, it’s the unknown. Is he actually a Fury, or will we find out if he’s just a half-Fury? Does he have the heart like his brother or is he just living in the shadow of his brother? This is also my first time fighting a real quote-unquote boxer. Whatever that means. He’s undefeated, same height, same weight so it’s really a perfect matchup and we’re really going to see who worked harder, who wants it more and who has that dog inside of him.

“I will TKO him in the later rounds. He hasn’t had a fight past four rounds so I think he’ll be gassed. I think this will be the first time he’s getting punched in the face by someone who can actually hit and is the same weight as him. He’s always fought smaller guys with losing records. So I think he’s going to fade. I know he’s going to fade. It’s just what round? Fifth? Sixth? Seventh? Maybe I knock him out in the last 10 seconds of the eighth. But he’s not hearing that eighth bell ring. I’ve got $500,000 on the line, and when he loses, he has to change his name to Tommy Fumbles. He accepted it, so we’ll see what happens.

“It was my first real test that I passed. A UFC Champion who dominated the UFC with his big overhand right. He hit me with a shot in the fourth round that was nothing. I ate it very easily and kept moving. I found a way to win and passed my first test in my fourth professional fight. Nobody from Muhammad Ali to Mike Tyson to Floyd Mayweather was testing themselves as much as I was in my fourth fight. I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of and performing under pressure. I look forward to bringing that experience to my next fight.

“With every fight, I’m giving the people what they want. What they wanted was for me to fight a real boxer. That’s what everybody kept saying. So here is a real boxer who is the same height, same age, same reach, a better record than me and who has been boxing his entire life. His brother is the heavyweight champion of the world. He has a legendary name, he has the following, he has the star power. It’s the perfect fight. When I knock out Tommy Fury on December 18 right here at AMALIE Arena, there will be nothing left to say. All the media, all the people who have constantly doubted me and said I’m bad for boxing, I’m going to shut you all up and you will put respect on my name after I beat this kid.

“Tyron Woodley was an unorthodox fighter. MMA guys come in with different types of striking. When I fight a boxer, it’s going to be more of a chess match. More strategic. We’re going to be thinking a lot more in the ring. Woodley just came out throwing overhand rights. We have a gameplan and we’ll be sticking to it. But I see a guy that’s green. He doesn’t have head movement. He can’t fight going backwards. He’s stiff. He’s rigid. He has fast hands and he has good combinations but we’re taking all of that away and there’s not going to be anything left for him to do.

“This kid’s chin has never been tested. He’s only been put in with opponents that were meant to lose. I’ve never done that. All my fights were stepping into the unknown. For him, this is the first fight where the opponent isn’t just put in there to lose. On the biggest stage possible, in front of all these people, this young man will crack. He’s not battle-tested like me. He hasn’t lived the life that I have. He’s had a silver spoon in his mouth his whole entire life. He’s doing this because his brother does it. Because his dad told him to do it. This isn’t something he wants to do. If it was up to him, he’d be an Abercrombie & Fitch model.”

Tommy Fury

“You fought a 40-year-old guy in your last fight. He hit you with one proper punch and you fell through the ropes. When I come for you, I’m knocking you spark out. You fought retired UFC people, a basketball player and that’s it. When you fight me December 18, you’re getting knocked spark out. This is a step too far for you. Stick to YouTube because that’s all you’re good for. I’m going to show you what losing feels like.

“I feel like I’ve won the lottery. You’re asking me to fight on a massive world stage, you’re going to pay me nicely, and all I’ve got to do is fight Jake Paul. A YouTuber. I’m going to splatter him December 18. I’ve won the lottery. I’m begging Jake Paul, please do not pull out. Because normally, when we get to this stage in boxing, you’ve got to fight for a world title. But I’m fighting a YouTuber! Sign me up.

“I took this away from his fight with Tyron Woodley. The man got a split-decision win. That means you only just won against a 40-year-old retired UFC fighter. My god, well done. Good job, mate. You just about beat a 40-year-old man. When you get in there with a fresh 22-year-old whose been doing this all his life, you’re going to wish you stuck to paying UFC fighters off and basketball players. You should have gone and fought Tiger Woods, not somebody who has done it his whole life because you’re in for a big shock. You’re the one who is going to crumble.

“When you’re getting hit all over the face and your nose and ears are busted, you’re going to look at BJ Flores and think, ‘What have I done here? I shouldn’t have called him out. Pull me out!’ I’m begging you, please don’t retire on the stool. Come out and fight like a man. I wish the fight was tomorrow.

“Everybody keeps talking about the pressure. All the people in the arena. I don’t care about that. There’s only one man I care about that night. I’m not taking in the crowd or any of that. I’m coming over to Tampa Bay to do a demolition job and please the whole wide world. It doesn’t matter how much pressure is on me. There’s been pressure on me from the start and just because there are a few more people there and a few more lights, I won’t crack. Believe you me. It’s in my blood and I’m going to go out there and shut this guy up for everybody in the world that’s asking for it. This was a step too far and I’m going to prove that on December 18.”

Amanda Serrano

“Hard work, dedication and sacrifice is what has gotten me to this point. Greatness requires sacrifice and I’ve sacrificed my whole life from 18 years old until now. It’s just been boxing, boxing, boxing. Nothing can happen without a great team behind you and that’s what I have.

“I’m the featherweight champion and I’m taking a risk by moving up in weight. In women’s boxing, we have to go to where the opportunities are and I want to be able to do things that not every girl can do. And that’s win multiple divisions in different ways from 140 all the way down to 115. I know that if my record is ever broken, which I don’t think it will, it won’t be done the way that I did it.

“It feels awesome to be fighting in Tampa. Why not fight in the city of champions? We have the Lightning and the Buccaneers so I’m super honored to be here and fighting in Tampa. I just have to live up the name ‘The City of Champions’ and that’s what I’m going to do.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME pay-per-view is always a great opportunity. I just want to go out and prove that females can fight. No matter where you put us, we’re going to put on a show and we’re going to look good doing it.

“My career has definitely changed since signing with Jake Paul. I’ve gotten a lot more fans. A lot more followers, due to Jake Paul. It’s just something different. I’m so into boxing and I’ve never really done anything outside of boxing. I’ve dedicated my whole life to it so being under the lights and on social media is something different for me but I’m continuing to learn about it and I can learn a lot from Jake Paul. He’s done a lot of amazing things with his platform and I hope one day I can be half as good as he is.”

SugarHill Steward

“Tommy’s very athletic, very determined and he learns fast. It’s exciting to me to be able to work with somebody like that because that’s what makes me get up and go a lot more – somebody that wants to learn and is excited about it.

“He’s taking this fight very seriously and boxing is in his blood. It’s in his culture. The whole family boxes.

“I think there’s a certain amount of pressure on Tommy being Tyson’s younger brother, but that’s just something that comes with it. Being the younger brother of the heavyweight champion of the world and always looking up to Tyson and wanting to be like him and do the things that he’s done – there’s always been pressure. But now there’s even more because this is a big stage. This is not just sparring in the gym or being amateur. The longer he’s in boxing, it’s going to be more of a challenge.

“Jake is very creative in the ring. I’m watching him. I hear bad talk about him but I have to give him a lot of credit for what he’s doing and how he’s learning. He doesn’t look like a beginner how everybody is talking about because of the things he’s doing in terms of thinking and making adjustments and creating opportunities to land punches. I think he’s coming along just fine – just as well as anybody who is just starting boxing.

“I think it’s going to be fast progress for Tommy because some of the things I’ve showed him, he’s grabbed hold of it so quickly it reminds me a bit of Tyson. It’s just that Tyson has been boxing his whole life and in the gym training, whereas Tommy hasn’t. It’s going to be interesting to watch how fast he really grows and that’s exciting to me because I enjoy teaching and watching somebody learn.”

Tyson Fury

“I think this is really good fight for everybody who is going to be watching around the world. There’s going to be a lot of people watching. A lot of people are interested in this fight. You’ve got two young, undefeated guys. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be an excellent night.

“I think Tommy will knock him out. No disrespect to Jake Paul, but like I said to Tommy, if he can’t knock Jake Paul out, fly to a foreign country and stay there because he ain’t coming home.”

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 29, 2021) – International super star Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face undefeated professional boxer and U.K. reality TV star Tommy “TNT” Fury in a sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight bout after months of heated back-and-forth between the two men. Paul and Fury will headline a SHOWTIME PPV event on Saturday, December 18 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The main event bout will be contested at a 192-pound catchweight, as Paul continues to challenge himself and deliver on his promise to disrupt the combat sports industry. 

On the heels of an impressive performance against former mixed martial arts world champion Tyron Woodley in August, Paul looks forward to his fifth professional boxing match as he takes a sizable step up in competition and puts his undefeated record on the line. Paul, the social media sensation, has garnered unprecedented attention for a young boxer since he entered the ring against NBA star Nate Robinson and defeated him with a show-stopping knockout that made headlines around the world. Paul is now taking the next step in his young career as he goes after Love Island reality TV star Fury, the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury. 

Paul and Fury will meet for the first time since their fight was announced on Saturday, November 6 in Las Vegas and will make an additional appearance in Tampa on Monday, November 8. More details on both events to follow.

Titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, the event is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV and promoted in association with Tony Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and it will feature other exciting high-stakes, professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, November 10, at www.amaliearena.com. 

The 24-year-old Paul (4-0, 3 KOs) is a world-renowned content creator. He began his professional boxing journey in January 2020 and has proven to be an influential participant in the sport’s landscape with his outsized personality and quickly developing skill set. The Cleveland-native is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the eye of former boxing cruiserweight contender and world title challenger B.J. Flores, who has been training Paul from his first professional fight. After knocking out British YouTube star AnEsonGib in his debut and defeating Robinson with a knockout heard around the world, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April with a first-round knockout. The win over Askren was Paul’s first victory over a seasoned professional fighter and he followed it up with an impressive performance against Woodley, arguably his most dangerous opponent to date. 

“I started my professional boxing career less than two years ago on January 30th, 2020. 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,” said Paul. “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 December 18th I’m continuing to fulfill my dreams and turning a Fury into a Fumbles.”

Fighting out of Manchester, England, Fury started boxing at 12 years old. With 12 amateur bouts, he won two regional titles and reached the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury’s first professional fight came in 2018, a win by decision. From there he proceeded to knockout or TKO his next four opponents and put the boxing world on notice. He has fought three times in 2021, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard in August, where the 22-year-old earned his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. Paul is clearly facing his biggest challenge to date in the undefeated Fury (7-0, 4 KOs), who comes from a renowned family of boxers and has been trained by British star Ricky Hatton.

“Jake Paul is about to learn a serious life lesson. This is my world, and he doesn’t belong here,” said Fury. “I’m not one of these MMA men or basketball players, I have been boxing my whole life. On December 18th 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 clown up once and for all.”

#PaulFury: One Will Fall is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Paul and Bidarian serve as Executive Producers of the #PaulFury event.

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.