One of Jake Paul‘s past opponents has made a surprising admission about his bout against Anthony Joshua. Tyron Woodley spoke candidly about the main event clash, suggesting he wouldn’t rule out a shocking upset win for Paul.
Woodley made the bold claim while sharing his thoughts on whether Paul has a realistic chance to win. The former UFC welterweight champion knows what the YouTuber-turned-boxer is capable of in the ring.
They fought twice, with Paul winning both by decision and knockout, respectively. Since then, many have criticized ‘The Problem Child’ for his choice of opponents, including former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Now, however, he faces the toughest test of his career against an elite heavyweight contender in his prime.
Joshua is a former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, so Paul’s chances seem slim. However, Woodley doesn’t believe that’s the case and dismissed the narrative surrounding the strength discrepancy.
“One thing that is tangible and visible is power. I feel like [Paul’s] gotten to the point where, at least size-wise, from the time I fought him until now, he’s quite a bit bigger,” Woodley said during an interview with BettingLounge. “I mean, it wouldn’t be a shocker [if Paul won].”
Tyron Woodley Claims Jake Paul Could Be Stronger Than Anthony Joshua
Tyron Woodley made another bold claim, suggesting Jake Paul may be stronger than Anthony Joshua when they meet in the ring. He pointed to Paul’s preparation for this massive bout, noting that the added focus on strength could serve him well.
Speaking with BettingLounge, Woodley noted that Paul will be stronger than he was in past fights. He added that Paul put on weight for his bout with Joshua, while the former heavyweight champion didn’t make any drastic changes.
“I feel like if you had power at 190 [pounds], I feel like weights, strength and conditioning, heavy bag work, intention, speed, accuracy, and just knowing how to place a punch better, I feel like he can increase his power,” Woodley said. “Don’t see [Joshua] being able to increase his power at this point in his career. So yeah, those are the things I think he brings to the table.”
Woodley also emphasized that Paul has the belief in himself needed to shock the boxing world.
“Also just the belief in himself, and just being a little cuckoo for even doing this [expletive] fight.”
Woodley Set to Face UFC Legend Anderson Silva on Paul vs. Joshua Undercard
Woodley will also compete on the Paul vs. Joshua card, facing former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva on the undercard.
The fight is intriguing because, although Silva is the better striker, he is 50-years-old. His reaction time, speed, and power will be questioned, while Woodley hopes to earn his first boxing win.
Journalist Ariel Helwani recently made a surprising revelation that Woodley wasn’t the first choice to replace Chris Weidman.
“I hit [Masvidal] up, I thought you were going to get it,” Helwani said during his live show in Miami.
Masvidal confirmed the negotiations, but ultimately declined the offer to fight Silva.
“I was [going to get that fight with Silva] but like I said, I got deals on the table, man,” Masvidal said. “Listen, they want your boy to fight in Miami on short notice but they don’t wanna pay, I don’t wanna play.”
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