Jake Paul and Tommy Fury finally settled their differences inside the ring on Sunday night in an eight-round bout where the British star emerged victorious.
The highly-anticipated fight lived up to expectations as the two personalities traded blows inside a packed out Diriyah Arena – with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mike Tyson in attendance.
It was a fairly even contest that could only be separated via split decision, 74-75 76-73 76-73, with two judges voting in favour of Fury compared to just one for Paul.
And the result has now left speculation as to what is next for both fighters. Both are interested in a rematch but Paul had previously talked about a three-fight plan for 2023, while Fury was mocked for fighting a YouTuber in the first place.
Here, Sportsmail assesses the potential future fights for both boxers – and there could be some interesting match-ups to come this year.
Tommy Fury (right) emerged victorious when he faced off with Jake Paul (left) in Saudi Arabia
The result has left questions over what next for both fighters following the thrilling bout
THE REMATCH
This is, arguably, the most likely scenario. Prior to the event on Sunday night, it was made clear that Paul had a rematch clause inserted into the contract.
And, after he was dealt the first loss of his professional boxing career, it’s more than likely that he’ll trigger that option. Especially considering that it was a relatively close contest.
Fury himself even welcomed the prospect of another fight with Paul during his post-fight interview, as he said: ‘Jake Paul took some good shots.
‘He’s a far better boxer than I thought he was. This is my first main event. If he wants a rematch, bring it on,’ the former Love Island star claimed.
Paul also confirmed his desires to fight Fury again, as he stated: ‘We can run it back. I think we deserve that rematch.’
Tommy’s father, John, even agreed with the idea, as he said afterwards: ‘Let’s do it again in Saudi Arabia. The sky’s the limit. Rematch, rematch Jake Paul in Saudi.’
The American was handed a split decision loss after judges scored the bout 74-75 76-73 76-73 in Fury’s favour – but he did show promise throughout the fight.
Paul’s biggest moment came in the eighth and final round when a stiff jab sent the Brit crashing down to the canvas.
Should there be a rematch, this will give Paul hope that he can emerge victorious in a potential second encounter.
Fury praised Paul for his commitment and desire during a post-fight conversation on BT Sport
Paul quickly suggested that he will trigger the rematch clause placed in his contract with Fury
PAUL’S 2023 THREE-FIGHT PLAN?
Prior to Sunday night’s thriller, Ohio-born Paul had previously spoken about his desires to execute a three-fight plan throughout 2023.
In anticipation of a victory over Fury, the Youtuber-turned-boxer announced he was keen on a bout with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz and fellow internet sensation KSI.
The YouTube star told BT Sport: ‘We’ve got a big, big year ahead. There’s a massive offer out to Nate Diaz and his team to do one boxing match and one MMA match.
‘And then, you know the kid KSI, keeps on talking and he says that December, he wants to fight.’
Paul and KSI – real name Olajide Olatunji – have been embroiled in a feud since 2018 after the British personality beat the American’s older brother, Logan, in a fight.
YouTuber Paul was lining up potential fights with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz (left) and KSI (right)
KSI was quick to poke fun at Paul on social media after Sunday’s bout and claimed that he could easily beat both fighters from Saudi Arabia’s main event.
Diaz, on the other hand, also took aim at Jake’s older brother Logan – who had antagonised the Fury family mid-way through the fight.
The former UFC star then wrote on Twitter: ‘This guy needs his ass beat. And who let the spoiled lil b**** yell obnoxious s*** during the fight?’
It seems the stars are already aligning for these two fighters to share the ring at some point in the next year… whether that’s Paul’s next bout remains to be seen.
YOUTUBE PAYDAY OR CHASE A BRITISH TITLE?
It’s no secret that all the pressure for this fight was on Tommy Fury. Coming from a family of fighters – and his brother Tyson being the current WBC heavyweight champion – it was expected that he’d beat a YouTuber.
Prior to fighting Paul, Fury had eight wins, four knockouts and was on the right path to potentially challenge for a national championship in the future.
However, it would be a difficult journey to the top of the British cruiserweight division for Fury – if that is what he wanted to achieve in his career.
Following his stoppage win over David Jamieson in November last year, Mikael Lawal is the current British cruiserweight champion and would be a difficult test for Fury.
Fighters such as Richard Riakporhe, Chris Billam-Smith and Viddal Riley – who used to train KSI – are also within the cruiserweight division and would pose as tough match-ups for Fury, who struggled against a YouTuber.
Britain’s-own Lawrence Okolie is the current WBO cruiserweight world champion and, should they ever fight, would completely outclass Fury.
However, it may actually end up being beneficial to Fury if he doesn’t decide to chase a British title – given the ludicrous funds involved in YouTube boxing.
Fury had reportedly earned less than £1million in eight professional bouts before fighting Paul
WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie (R) pictured with Fury’s opponent Paul (L)
The purse for his most recent fight, before beating Paul, was not disclosed but it’s clear to see how much more the ex-Love Island star would’ve earned for one fight against Paul compared to his entire career combined.
In Fury’s previous eight professional fights, it is reported that he has earned less than £825,000 ($1m) in total through boxing.
Against Anthony Taylor back in 2021, Fury earned £12,300 ($15,000) for the bout – which was the lowest purse distributed from the event.
In contrast, according to Sports Zion, Fury reportedly received a £1.6million ($2m) purse for fighting Paul – and 35 per cent of the PPV money.
In total, the 23-year-old will have take home £3.7million ($4.5m) in what will be the biggest payday of his career so far.
The Brit now has to decide whether to chase a national title or keeping fighting Youtubers
The numbers are simply staggering and, remarkably, it may not be the last time that Fury gets offered a multi-million payday.
During his post-fight press conference, Fury claimed: ‘If KSI wants a fight – he’s no Jake Paul and I’ll take that no problem.’
It presents an interesting dilemma for Fury. Does he chase a potential British title for pennies or cash-in on the KSI clash?
