Pictured above: Paul knocks Woodley out with a strong right hand during the sixth-round of the rematch.
Courtesy of ESPN
By Max Steele
Internet-sensation Jake Paul defeated former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Tyron Woodley in a professional boxing bout on Dec. 18 at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
Paul, dubbed “The Problem Child,” delivered a stunning, one-punch knockout in the sixth round to claim victory and solidify his place in the sport.
The two cruiserweight boxers fought earlier last year on Aug. 29 in Cleveland, ending in a split decision win for Paul and an “I Love Jake Paul” tattoo for Woodley.
Following the win, Paul planned to fight professional boxer Tommy Fury (7-0), the younger brother of current heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Fury pulled out of the fight on two weeks’ notice after claiming he suffered a broken rib and chest infection during training camp.
To prevent the entire event from being canceled, Paul sent Woodley a contract that included a $500,000 bonus incentive if he knocked him out. Woodley accepted, eager for another shot at taking down Paul.
The fight started off moderately slow, as the two boxers repeatedly clinched one another to avoid a knockout. Blood trickled down Paul’s face after catching a stray elbow in the third round that split the right side of his forehead open.
The fight was even on paper until the sixth round, when Paul hit Woodley with a clean right hand and sent him face-first onto the canvas.
“At some point, we’re going to have to put a little respect on Jake’s name,” Woodley said during the post-fight press conference. “He’s tough.”
Paul (5-0) has now knocked out every opponent he has fought, including NBA veteran Nate Robinson and former UFC fighter Ben Askren.
Paul has been named Sport’s Illustrated “Breakout Boxer of the Year” and was awarded ESPN Ringside’s “Knockout of the Year”.
After calling out Conor McGregor, Canelo Álvarez, Floyd Mayweather, and more, it’s safe to assume that “The Problem Child” is here to stay and will continue to put on a show.
