For Jake Paul, the days of knocking out YouTubers, retired NBA players and flabby MMA retiree stiffs is long gone.
Tyron Woodley, the former UFC champion, is a dangerous opponent – equally so during their rematch Saturday night.
After knocking out AnEsonGib, Nate Robinson and Ben Askren on his way to a 3-0 record as a pro boxer, Paul (4-0, 3 KO's) took his first jarring punches Aug. 29 during a split decision victory over Woodley (0-1).
While Woodley has talked about adjusting his strategy – throw more punches and make Paul pay with counterpunches – Paul said he has made significant changes.
“Look, I was unhappy with my performance and I think that was a great thing for me because now, moving forward after that, I made so many adjustments," Paul told USA TODAY Sports. “Everything, A to Z. My training, how hard I went, my strength and conditioning, my diet, my sleep, my recovery. Everything. I tried to get better, and it’s really paid off.''
It would have been intriguing to see Paul fight a trained boxer, and that plan ended when Tommy Fury withdrew with a "medical condition.'' But the rematch with Woodley could prove to be a tougher challenge than Fury would have been.
USA TODAY Sports' Josh Peter provides round-by-round analysis of the fight:
Round 1
Woodley fires an overhand right. Going to attack early is the guess here. Fighters at the center of the ring. No fireworks here. Now Paul throwing the left jab. Fighters tangled up. Lots of holding here early. Crowd booing. Measured fighting here. No big chances. Paul jabs to the body. Fans booing as fighters in a clinch.
Peter's score: 10-9 Woodley
Round 2
Paul delivers a stinging overhand right set up with a jab. After an active first round by Woodley, Paul on the move. Woodley rebounds with a combination. Fighters tied up and throwing body punches. The crowd doesn’t like it. Lots of holding. Two fighters collide. Not exactly the sweet science here. Paul fires away, lands maybe once.
Score: 19-19
Round 3
Paul cut from the forehead after landing a combo. Looks like an accidental elbow. Now Woodley landing a barrage of punches here. Paul firing away and lands a left. Woodley winning on punch output. Blood just pouring down Paul’s face.
Score: 29-28 Woodley
Round 4
Fighters tied up again. Paul bleeding but seems unbowed. Woodley lands an uppercut. Woodley lifts Paul into the air and flips him onto the canvas. Uh, not going to count as knockdown
Score: 38-38
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