Tommy Fury and Jake Paul: what comes next for boxers after Saudi Arabia bout including potential rematch

Tommy Fury came out on top in Sunday’s long-awaited boxing match in Saudi Arabia where the Manchester-born professional fought controversial YouTuber Jake Paul. 

The bout had been on the cards for two years, but had to be postponed twice after Tommy was firstly unwell and then had troubles with his Visa in the US.

However, in a split decision after eight rounds, Tommy put an end to Jake Paul’s unlikely undefeated run as a boxer with two cards of 76-73 in the former Love Islander’s favour and one 75-74 to Paul.

After two years of trash-talking the pair came out of the fight respectfully with Jake tweeting: “Don’t judge me by my wins, judge me by my losses. Congrats to Tommy, his team and his family. Thank you to everyone that tuned in. Saudi Arabia thank you as well. I will be back.”

Despite ‘taking it on the chin’, Jake had entered the ring with a rematch clause if Tommy was able to pull off a victory, with the Youtuber-turned-boxer pushing to exercise the clause. 

Tommy replied: “100 percent. This is my first main event, I’m only going to go stronger, I’m gonna go bigger, and I’m only gonna go better…There were a lot of nerves coming in here, I override that. If he wants a rematch, bring it on.”

As well as a potential rematch between the personalities, Tommy and Jake Paul have other goals lined up in their sights. 

Jake has revealed he sees UFC legend Nate Diaz as his next opponent, after the latter became a free agent last year following his successful final UFC bout.

While Jake has already defeated three former UFC fighters and the pair has been trading words for years, Nate had not been able to pursue a match due to his exclusive contract.

In light of this, Jake said: “I think that’s next. I think that’s what the fans want, and that’s who I want. There’s been a lot of back and forth, we’ve said our stuff, but it’s time to get down to business.”

In terms of Tommy’s next bout, although he does not having on the cards as of yet, and is most likely going to spend some time with his new-born daughter Bambi Fury who was born just three weeks before the Saudi Arabia fight, his father John Fury has called for the Love Island star to face KSI. 

John spoke to Behind the Gloves and admitted there was immense pressure from Tommy’s brothers to perform and would love to see the youngest Fury boxer fight KSI if the Jake Paul rematch does not go ahead.