Tommy Fury has recorded a split-decision victory over Youtuber Jake Paul in their highly-anticipated grudge match in Saudi Arabia.
While Paul had put together a six-fight unbeaten record, Fury was the first professional boxer that he had fought, although his opponent's resume was poor.
However, it was Fury's superior boxing skills which proved decisive, despite being floored by a jab from Paul in the final round.
In a fight which saw both men deducted a point apiece for different infringements, Fury prevailed 76-73 on two scorecards, Paul edging it 75-74 on the other.
Although the showdown featured more intrigue than genuine entertainment, it is highly likely that Paul will exercise the rematch clause present in his contract.
The Truth is revealed! Tommy Fury gets the decision win over Jake Paul! 🥊#PaulFury pic.twitter.com/YZIiNqtB8P
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) February 26, 2023
The first two rounds went to Fury, who was the more aggressive of the two and landed with his jab, but Paul warmed into the contest and clearly took the third.
Fury did enough to take the fourth, likely opening up a lead at the midway point, and that advantage became clearer as Paul was docked a point for hitting behind the head in the fifth.
Despite Fury potentially taking the fifth to make it an even round, Fury enjoyed his best round in the sixth without ever looking like stopping the American.
Fury was deducted a point for holding in the seventh, handing Paul some encouragement, and optimism grew in the social media star's camp when Fury went down from a heavy jab, seemingly aided by a slip.
With a 10-8 round in his favour and his earlier docked point being cancelled out, there felt an inevitably about a draw, but it was Fury who was given the nod by the officials.
Darren Plant
