Jake Paul believes Tommy Fury will be an easier test than some of his other recent opponents.
On Sunday Paul and Fury will end their bitter feud in a long-awaited Saudi Arabian boxing match. Paulm will be able to end two primary critics of his boxing career, namely that he doesn’t fight actual boxers and has been fighting “past-their-prime” fighters. Fury is the younger brother to Tyson Fury’s heavyweight champion. Some have said Fury will prove his most difficult test.
But Paul disagrees, saying “TNT” doesn’t measure up to MMA legends like Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley.
“No. F*** no. F*** no. “[He’s] not tougher than Anderson, not tougher than Tyron. He’s quicker than them both, throws more punches that them both, but is not harder. Definitely not tougher.”
In his latest fight, Paul won the most important win of his career. He beat Silva by unanimous decision in October. On top of outworking the former UFC middleweight champion for much of the fight, Paul also dropped Silva in the final round, solidifying his win and silencing many of his doubters. Paul expects to score more on Sunday, given Fury’s thoughts regarding Silva.
“One hundred percent,” Paul replied when asked about his disappointment if he didn’t win. This fight is one that I consider a “must knockout” for myself. Because I am confident that I can accomplish it. I would just be letting myself down. I’m going to win the fight, but if I don’t knock him out, I’ll definitely be pissed off, because I know I’m capable of it. Just execute my game plan .”
Paul is at an interesting inflection point in his career at 6-0 as a professional. Although he’s fought mostly ex-MMA fighters in his fights, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced last week that if Fury beats Paul on Saturday, then the WBC will place Paul in the Cruiserweight Division. This, along with the belief that Fury’s entire boxing history will end in defeat, makes it more difficult for “The Problem Child.” However, Paul sees this as a positive thing because there are other people who have a lot to lose.
” I don’t feel this pressure because of my preparations and confidence but I certainly have a lot at stake,” Paul stated. But [Tommy Fury] also feels that way. Although it’s likely that there is a lot of pressure on both sides, I am definitely the man to beat. He has a smaller platform and a lot of other stuff going on. I also have a bright future. This is all that he really has. He considers this his greatest thing, his most significant moment and his best chance. Who knows what else?
” I think both sides are under pressure. It makes it easier to fight for your cause. This is turning into a worldwide event because people are at the edges of their seats. There are so many people here and coming here. … This is a big global, massive event. This is a huge, global, massive event.
Still, even just a few days out, there still remains a question among some fans as to whether or not the fight will actually happen.
Paul Fury and Fury were booked twice against one another, with Fury withdrawing from both bouts. Paul had Mike Perry, a former UFC fighter ready to replace Fury if needed. But with both parties in Saudi Arabia, and the fight almost here, Paul now is confident Fury will finally have to put up or shut up.
“I think he’s got to get in the ring now,” Paul said. “The money is really good for him. I think there’s delusion from their side, just hearing through the grapevine the conversations that they’re having about this fight. They think it’s just some easy thing, some layup, they can’t believe that I’m taking the fight, so I think they have a lot of delusion about what’s going to happen on Sunday, which is good. He should get in the ring.
“Whatever their thoughts are, it’s fine. That’ll give him the confidence to fight .”
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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/22/23611054/jake-paul-says-tommy-fury-is-a-must-knock-out-fight-for-him-not-tougher-than-anderson-silva?rand=96749
