Jake Paul secured a decisive victory against Mike Perry with a sixth-round TKO in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida. Paul, a social media star turned professional boxer, floored Perry three times before the referee halted the bout at 1:12 of Round 6.
This win paves the way for Paul’s highly anticipated fight against boxing legend Mike Tyson on November 15th, originally scheduled for this night. “He’s tough as nails, but I just hit too hard and he took a lot of damage,” Paul stated post-fight. “Mike Tyson, you’re next. It’s anyone, anytime, anyplace.”
Despite battling an illness and a “basically broken” knuckle, Paul, who was a -475 favorite according to ESPN BET, showcased superior skill and power. Perry, 32, who transitioned from the UFC to bare-knuckle fighting, was overmatched by Paul’s size and strength.
The fight began with Paul scoring a flash knockdown in the opening round and another in Round 2. Perry briefly rallied in Round 3, opening a cut over Paul’s left eye, but Paul quickly regained control. By Round 4, Paul dominated the exchanges, landing powerful combinations that led to the final knockdown in Round 6.
“You did a great job, you were way too fast for me and I couldn’t adjust,” Perry admitted. Perry’s boxing experience is limited, with his only other match ending in a KO loss in 2015. He has since found success in bare-knuckle fighting, boasting a 5-0 record in the BKFC.
Paul’s next challenge is an eight-round heavyweight bout against Mike Tyson in Arlington, Texas, where they will wear 14-ounce gloves. Tyson had to withdraw from the originally scheduled fight due to an ulcer flare-up but is expected to be ready for November.
Paul, who scored a first-round KO against journeyman Ryan Bourland in March, is confident about his future in boxing. “In two years, I will be the cruiserweight champion of the f—ing world,” he declared. “I’m way sharper, cleaner. I think he hit me with like one shot tonight. … It’s back to the drawing board and I’m going to just keep getting better.”
This victory marks another milestone in Paul’s ambitious boxing career, demonstrating his ability to take on and defeat experienced fighters from various combat sports backgrounds.
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