With an official announcement seemingly imminent for Jake Paul and Tommy Fury to put their rivalry to bed, fans have mixed opinions on who might come out on top – but the bookies have picked a favourite.
As Fury followed a more traditional route into the sport – raised in a fighting family, a handful of amateur bouts and undercard fights – Paul fancies himself a prize fighter just 5 contests into his boxing career.
He’s made a name for himself by facing retired MMA stars including Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and, most recently, Anderson Silva.
Should Fury have fought him before these bouts, the half-brother of the world heavyweight champion would’ve undoubtedly entered the the ring as the bookies’ favourite.
He didn’t though, and whilst Paul last mixed it with Silva – who had previously beaten Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in the boxing ring – Fury performed in a last minute and lacklustre exhibition. He’s also never fought past six rounds whilst Paul can boast eight under his belt.
At the time of writing, Sky Bet have the British fighter as an 11/10 underdog. If punters fancy backing the American, the current price is 8/11. Given that the fight isn’t totally official just yet, the markets for method of victory et al aren’t yet available.
The initial lines – which are likely to change as the fight nears – give Fury a 47.6% chance of winning and Paul 57.9%. A draw is 7.7% likely according to the bookmakers, priced at 12/1.
Both men will enter the ring supremely confident. Paul doesn’t rate Fury’s skills one bit – at least that was the impression when he commentated on his exhibition fight – and the Fury family are adamant that their man makes light work of the American.