I fought UFC legend Anderson Silva and Tyson Fury's brother, but none of them hit harder than 'The Chosen One'

06/14/2024 11:50 AM

Jake Paul has taken on some tough challenges since turning from a social media star into a professional boxer.

He began by fighting a fellow YouTuber in AnEsonGib and he stopped him inside a round and then stepped up and fought a professional athlete in Nate Robinson and scored a second round KO.

Then he took on former UFC fighter Ben Askren and KO’d him and he even fought UFC legends Anderson Silva and Nate Diazemerging victorious on both occasions.

In his most high-profile event, Paul was defeated by Tyson Fury‘s brother Tommy Fury, losing on points despite knocking his rival down.

But, out of all of these opponents, none of them hit harder than ‘The Chosen One’ Tyron Woodley, who he fought twice in August and December 2021.

“The hardest hit I ever received was from Tyron Woodley, round four, in Cleveland,” Paul said when answering quick-fire questions for DAZN Boxing.

This was in reference to the moment in Paul’s first fight against Woodley when he was hit and fell against the ropes, but for some reason the referee didn’t rule it as a knockdown and he went on to win by split decision.

But, in the rematch, Paul dismissed any doubts that he deserved to beat Woodley, as he pulled off a stunning knockout in round six.

‘The Problem Child’ also revealed his best fight was against Silva, and his personal favourite KO was when he knocked out Robinson in a highlight-reel stoppage.

Paul’s two showdowns with Woodley were considered the toughest of his career at that date, with the ex-UFC champion known for his striking.

The maiden affair was cagey and Paul even found himself in the moment of adversity after feeling his rival’s power.

He edged the decision on the judges scorecards after showing a higher level of boxing ability, but it was certain he had been caused trouble.

The immediate sequel came from left field, and the ex-UFC champion provided Paul with equal struggles.

But the ‘Problem Child’ showed off his own power with another stoppage, which saw him continue an upwards trajectory.

His next fight came against gifted striker Silva, who was a notorious hero of Paul’s in the combat sports world.

The 26-year-old impressively sent the Brazilian to the canvas in the final round, but was unable to close the show beating the veteran on points.

In the toughest fight of his career, Paul took on bitter rival Fury, a natural boxer, on the biggest of stages in Saudi Arabia.

Paul and Fury’s spectacle wasn’t the most thrilling, but the tough encounter blew his ‘world title’ objective.

His rugged opponent ground out a win on points, and Paul was handed his first defeat in the professional ranks.

Fury was unable largely to let his hands go and show off his trademark power, which likely sees him ranked below Fury.

The influencer has since got back on track with wins over Nate Diaz, in addition to back-to-back victories over boxing journeyman Ryan Bourland and Andre August.

Although naming Woodley as his most powerful rival so far, a new contender will likely emerge with Paul set to touch gloves with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on November.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion carries ferocious power, and poses a real KO threat to Paul despite being aged 58.

But despite the looming prospect of the infamous KO artist, Paul has suggested he has the power to match any of his rivals in the squared circle.

He said:  “I know I will be able to match his or anyone’s power.

“I’m a natural born heavyweight, this is what I was born to do: move up into this weight class and show Mike who has more power because he is underestimating me and I believe I hit harder.

“I know it’s going to be tough, I know I’m going to have to fight through adversity, I know I might even go to the canvas, I’m scared don’t get me wrong.

“But it’s not about the fear stopping me, it’s about going into it even though I am scared – that is what true bravery is.”