In front of an energetic Cleveland crowd tonight Jake Paul notched up another win in his experimental boxing career.
The 24-year-old local star, fighting at cruiserweight, did enough to out point Tyron Woodley over eight rounds.
Paul’s record advances to four fights undefeated following his split decision win over the former UFC welterweight champion who was having his first professional boxing match but did demand a rematch. while speaking post-fight.
Despite the scorecards – 77-75, 75-77, 78-74 – it appeared that Paul had done more than enough to win a unanimous decision. Paul controlled most of the bout despite being wobbled by a Woodley left hook in round four and suffering from stamina issues as the fight wore on.
There was British success on the undercard as Queensbury Promotions fighters Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury picked up victories on their American debuts.
“It feels great, this is just the beginning,” Dubois told BT Sport after destroying the overmatched Joe Cusumano in the first round. An overhand right from the hard-hitting Brit ensured he made it two wins from two since his loss to Joe Joyce last year.
“I’m on top of the world right now,” added Dubois who will now target a fight against WBA World champion Trevor Bryan. Super Champion Anthony Joshua defends that and his two other world titles in just under four weeks against Oleksandr Usyk.
Tommy Fury’s fledgling pro career carried on to six fights without defeat when Tyson’s younger brother out pointed Anthony Taylor in a four-round cruiserweight contest. While the display provided a negative reaction online all roads now lead to a bout against Jake Paul which will hopefully end the feud the two men have become embroiled in of late.
The rest of the card saw Amanda Serrano pick up another world title defence win when the Puerto Rican star out pointed Yamileth Mercado over 10 rounds. Mercado was hurt in the last session but to her credit remained on her feet to go the distance. 2016 Olympian Charles Conwell moved to (16-0, 12 KOs) after proving far too much for Juan Carlos Rubio in three rounds at super-welterweight while Ivan Baranchyk and Montana Love lit up the undercard in an entertaining battle which Love put an exclamation point on in round 7 with a short-left uppercut to drop the former 140lb IBF champion. Baranchyk staggered back to his stool which prompted his trainer Pedro Diaz to call the fight off.
Main image: Amanda Westcott/Showtime