Jake Paul and Tommy Fury put on a show in Saudi Arabia, proving you don’t need world titles or elite-level skills to sell a fight – just hype.
Before the main event in Diriyah, a promotional video played featuring Mike Tyson, Shawn Porter and Tyson Fury. ‘Iron’ Mike said the following when asked what makes a fighter.
“My opinion of a fighter is someone who’s willing to give up every luxury of his life to accomplish his goals.”
Tyson Fury’s response to the same question? ‘Big balls.’
It was good hype, but many may have found the Muhammed Ali comparisons left a bit of a poor taste. Still, it’s in keeping with the style, and fans wouldn’t have expected anything less from a Paul-promoted event.
Fury entered first – the name ‘Bambi’ plastered across his chest as a tribute to his newborn daughter back in England. He looked focused, but the true acid test would be when the bell rings. This was, after all, his first time on main event duties, on a box office show no less. He was accompanied by his Fury clan.
The biggest night of his boxing life! 🔥
With Tyson by his side, Tommy Fury makes the walk to the ring to face Jake Paul 🥊#PaulFury | BT Sport Box Office ▶️ https://t.co/3OyKxNePSDpic.twitter.com/18IyNzvcLh
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) February 26, 2023
Paul was next up. Despite many fans branding him ‘nervous’ in the build-up, it wasn’t his first rodeo. He made his opponent wait. Ming games were mentioned but shot down when the camera got into his dressing room and showed a team member helping him get his outfit on. Hardly intimidating.
Finally out, he entered to boos that turned to cheers as his walk to the ring started.
SHOWTIME for The Problem Child! ⭐
Jake Paul makes his walk to the ring to face Tommy Fury! 🥊#PaulFury | BT Sport Box Office ▶️ https://t.co/3OyKxNePSDpic.twitter.com/3ezfdCuVwo
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) February 26, 2023
The catchweight clash has captured the boxing world in a way that many others events don’t. Whilst there are definitely detractors, there’s no doubt that the spectacle has broken through to some traditionalists who once would have refused to watch Paul in the ring.
Now that all of the talking was done, weigh-ins ticked off, and ring walks complete – all that was left was eight rounds – or less – of boxing.