Trent Reinsmith
- Date & Location: Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch : Showtime PPV
Jake Paul puts his 4-0 professional boxing record on the line against Tyron Woodley in the main event of a Showtime PPV boxing card, which takes place on December 18 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Woodley replaces Tommy Fury on short notice. Fury withdrew from the event on December 6. The younger half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury cited a bacterial chest infection and a broken rib as the reasons for his withdrawal from the fight.
Before we dig into the rematch between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley, check out the betting sites that have the best sign-up bonuses and be sure to look at the best boxing betting sites.
Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley 2 Odds
Fighter Analysis
Jake Paul‘s first boxing match took place in January 2020 when he knocked out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib. Paul next fought former NBA player Nate Robinson and again scored a knockout victory. His next bout was a step up in combat sports competition. In April 2021, Paul met former MMA world champ Ben Askren. Askren was never known for his striking abilities, and Paul knocked him out as well. In August, Paul went the distance with Woodley, who is a former UFC welterweight champ. Woodley was known as a sometimes dangerous striker. However, he was on a four-fight losing streak and had been released by the UFC when he lost a split decision to Paul.
Change of plans 👀
Fury has withdrawn from the fight due to medical issues.
We’ll now see @jakepaul vs. @TWooodley run it back on 12.18. #PaulWoodley pic.twitter.com/LbpUzzUjzS
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 6, 2021
Credit must be given to Paul. He is taking his boxing seriously. He is a good student of the sport and that he wants to get better. No one can accuse Paul of not being serious.
As for Woodley, he is a good mixed martial artist, but as anyone who saw the losing skid that ended his UFC run knows, Woodley struggles to let his hands go.
Paul vs. Woodley Prediction & Pick
Woodley hurt Paul in their first matchup, but he was unable to finish the fight. Paul is confident going into this fight that Woodley will not be able to get a finish. How confident? Confident enough that he is offering Woodley a $500,000 bonus if Woodley can get a knockout.
Under the best circumstances, Woodley would be an underdog in this fight. He’s entering the bout under far from ideal circumstances. Paul has been preparing for what was going to be his toughest opponent to date in Fury. With how the YouTuber turned boxer has improved in each of his previous fights, he will be better prepared for Woodley than he was in their first meeting. Paul knows everything he needs to know about Woodley’s tendencies. I expect Paul to fight long and do everything he can to tag Woodley with jabs and rack up points from distance.
What I don’t expect to see is Woodley suddenly revert to the fighter he was when he knocked out Robbie Lawler to earn the UFC welterweight title in 2016. Yes, Woodley can knock out Paul, but Woodley has not knocked out anyone since the Lawler fight. As powerful and talented as he is, Woodley has something inside him that is holding him back. If he can get over that stumbling block, Woodley can get the win. History has shown us that whatever is blocking Woodley is not something he can get over.
Pick: Jake Paul to win.
Betting Value With Paul
I don’t think Paul has the power to score a knockout over Woodley. So I would go with the over in this bout as far as rounds are concerned. I think Paul’s best bet is to play a defensive game early and tire out his opponent by making him move and miss. Knowing how Paul has been working on his skills, I believe that’s an approach he can be trained to use in this fight.
Woodley is a live underdog. If you think this is finally the fight where he lets his hands go, then you should feel comfortable going with Woodley by knockout for the upset. I’ve seen too many Woodley fights to be comfortable with that pick.
Prediction: Jake Paul via decision
Who has the edge?
Woodley has the edge in striking talent, but Paul has grown into the better boxer and he has surrounded himself with coaches who will have him dialed in to take advantage of Woodley’s inability to pull the trigger.
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