Tommy Fury gets off canvas to beat Jake Paul but no losers

Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury, derided by many in the build-up, turned out to be that rare beast, a prize fight with no real losers. While expert social media influencer Paul ultimately fell short on the scorecards after eight competitive and entertaining rounds before an enthused crowd in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, his achievement in simply lasting the course with a real boxer, and even scoring a flash knockdown in the last session, more than compensated for the official result.

As for Fury, world heavyweight champion Tyson’s brother, a novice pro burdened not only by the pressure of his famous last name, but also by being widely expected to ’defend’ the sport against this usurper, he rose to the occasion on the biggest night of his career, even when faced with perhaps unexpected adversity, and was moved to tears by the victory.

It was surprisingly a split decision. The two scores of 76-73 for Fury seemed plausible, the 75-74 to Paul unfathomable, despite the knockdown. Each man lost a point, Paul for hitting behind the head in round five and Fury for holding in the following round. These repeated infractions were testament to an over-zealous referee - who seemed frustrated, amused and bemused throughout - as much as the inexperience of both combatants.

I tallied 75-74 to Fury, Paul clearly winning the third round and edging a couple more, including the last which was a 10-8 for me.

Paul never stopped trying but Fury was clearly the more polished boxer and mostly controlled the pace on the back foot behind a stiff jab. Paul enjoyed success but mostly with single shots, his vaunted right hand finding a home at times and an impressive left hook. Fury finished marked up - partly due to a head clash - but both tired quickly. Their heart and endeavour, not to mention the audience, carried them through to the finish line, however.

Paul has proved he is something of a prodigy, Tommy that he has admirable mental strength. So what now? It was revealed in the post-fight that there is - no surprise - a rematch clause, and both men seemed happy to run it back. Paul, despite being the older man by three years, is only going to improve, while Fury, who has been around boxing his entire life, can make significantly more money, for an easier night’s work, against this proven draw than by competing at his natural level as a pro, say for an Area or English title. 

In defeating Paul, Fury secured the highly spurious Diriyah title, but the chief support saw the only genuine championship at stake. Badou Jack, a former belt-holder at super-middle and light-heavy, twice dropped defending WBC cruiserweight king Ilunga Makabu before halting him in the 12th and final round to take the strap.

Swede Jack, competing in his home away from home, was simply too fast and sharp for the Congolese banger, who proved cumbersome and clumsy.