Jake Paul returned to the ring in style, scoring a highlight-reel knockout over a pro boxer in Andre August, who had lost just once in his twelve professional bouts.
After bouncing back from a first defeat to Tommy Fury (10-0) with a points victory over former UFC superstar, Nate Diaz, four months ago, ‘The Problem Child’ stepped through the ropes to fight the second boxer of his career on his ninth outing in the ring.
The fight was billed as Paul’s entry into the traditional side of the sport, and the promotion boasted that no world champion was facing a test like this within his first ten fights. Some fans, of course, disputed this.
The 35-year-old August (10-1-1) stepped up to the cruiserweight division just a few months ago, following a lay-off of almost four years, with a win over the previously unbeaten Brandon Martin (7-0) in a six-rounder.
Paul walked out to a Christmas song in what was could be a first, but there was no time for festivities in the ring.
The controversial 26-year-old established his jab from the opening bell and spilt his opponent’s guard in the very first-round, before landing a picture-perfect uppercut to send August crashing back into the canvas.
With the three-time Golden Gloves champion worryingly hurt and unable to beat the count, the referee waved off the contest and handed Paul the third opening round stoppage of his career.
Fans praised the timing of the ‘nasty’ punch, and some praised Paul for ‘throwing dynamite’ after scoring the fifth knockout of his career so far. Others, however, were not as impressed, questioning August’s pedigree and urging the YouTuber-turned-fighter to step up quicker.
Undercard
- Alexander Gueche (2-0) DEF Clayton Ward (1-0) – TKO RD3 – Super-Flyweight
- Lorenzo Medina (8-0) DEF Joshua Temple (12-2) – TKO RD6 – Heavyweight
- Elijah Flores (6-0) DEF Javier Mayoral (6-3-1) – UD – Welterweight
- Zachary Randolph (9-3-1) DEF Michael Manna (7-5) – MD – Cruiserweight
- Yoenis Tellez (6-0) DEF Livan Navarro (15-1) – KO RD10 – Super-Welterweight
- Franchon Crews Dezurn (8-2) DEF Shadasia Green (13-0) – UD – WBC World & WBA Interim Super-Middleweight Titles