BREAKING Tommy Fury beats Jake Paul on split-decision despite final round knockdown

On Feb 26, 2023

Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on points to claim victory in their grudge match in Saudi Arabia – despite being knocked to the canvas in the final round.

Fury started brightly and finished a tight opening round with a flurry of punches in a warning of what was to come for his rival.

Paul held the centre and stalked his opponent around the 8ft ring, with Fury happy to dance around the outside and pick his punches.

Paul was then deducted a point in round five for punching around the back of Fury’s head as the fight began to drift towards the Brit.

But Fury was then deducted a point in the following round for holding as the fight became less about the fighters and more about the referee, who appeared intent on meddling with two bizarre decisions.

Fury was then knocked down in the eighth round by Paul to throw the contest up in the air, despite him claiming it was a slip. Paul tried hard to follow up his knockdown but both fighters were still standing at the final bell to send it to the scorecards where Fury came out on top.

The three judges each scored the fight 75-74, though one judge went in favour of Paul, with Fury winning by split decision.

An emotional Fury celebrated jubilantly after his win was announced but both fighters showed each other respect in a touching exchange after the dust had settled.

“I have nothing but love and repect for you brother,” Fury said. “”It was a great build-up and a great fight.”

Speaking afterwards, Fury said:”For the past two and a half years this has consumed my life but tonight I secured my own legacy.

“I dedicate this to my new baby Bambi at home and my missus, I miss you baby, I love you. I knew I would win this fight, I had the world and pressure on my shoulders but I came through.

Fury celebrates with his team after his win
(Image: Getty Images)

“This is a world title for me. This was my first main event I will come back bigger and better and stronger, if he wants the rematch he can bring it on”.

Paul said: “All respect to Tommy, I will come back, I think we deserve the rematch. I am not sure I agree with the judges.

“I have already won in life, in every single way. I have amazing friends and family. This is a humbling experience but I will get back in the gym and we will be back.”

He added: “I felt flat in there, I was really sick twice in this camp and I hurt my arm. I am not making excuses but I was not 100 per cent. We want to run it back.”