Tommy Fury has clinched the win over Jake Paul in a long-awaited showdown that took place in Saudi Arabia last night.
It’s been a very long time coming, with the fan frenzy and media attention having been growing by the day – but the 23-year-old Manchester-born professional boxer – who is the younger brother of two-time world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury – has only gone and done it.
Fury fought hard to defeat the controversial YouTuber and media personality Jake Paul in a split-decision after eight rounds.
The judges scored it 75-74 Paul, 76-73 Fury, and 76-73 Fury.
The highly-anticipated fight between the former Love Island contestant and the internet star – which had been dubbed as ‘The Truth’ – was originally scheduled for 2021, but was postponed after Fury pulled out due to broken ribs and a bacterial infection, which he said at the time was “heartbreaking”, and insisted he wanted the fight to happen “more than anything”.
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After the initial call-off, the fight between the pair was rescheduled for August 2022, but Fury pulled out once again – this time due to visa issues and being denied entry to the US.
Two postponements later, the Fury v Paul hunger was stronger than ever and the fight rescheduled for Sunday 26 February in Saudi Arabia – where Fury came out on top after a tense and action-packed meeting between the pair.
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Tommy Fury defeats Jake Paul in long-awaited fight / Credit: BT Sport Boxing (via Twitter)
“For the past two-and-half years, this is all that’s consumed my life,” Fury said after the match.
“Tonight I made my own legacy – I am Tommy Fury. I had a dream I would win, people doubted me, but everyone can take note now. I had the world on me, pressure on my shoulders and I came through. This is a world title fight to me, this is my destiny, my fate.”
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Dedicating his win to his family, Fury added: “I want to dedicate this win to my new baby girl Bambi at home and my Mrs. I love you and I can’t wait to see you.
“This fight was for you. Bambi, this belt is for you.”
Fury gave praise to his opponent saying he “took some good shots” and that he is “a far better boxer than I thought he was” – adding that “if he wants a rematch, bring it on.”
Jake Paul – who only made his professional boxing debut in 2020 – cited illness as the reason for his performance and loss.
“I felt flat,” he explained after the fight.
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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.
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.
Lorde to play massive Manchester gig later this year as part of world tour
Emily Sergeant
Lorde has announced she’s heading out on a massive world tour later this year, and of course she’s stopping off in Manchester.
The New Zealand-born singer-songwriter undeniably burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 16 with her runaway number one hit ‘Royals’ all the way back in 2013, and has been successfully cementing herself as a household name ever since.
Following her debut single, she has gone on to break several records with the releases of her first three studio albums.
She has also scooped up a handful of GRAMMYs and BRIT awards along the way.
Lorde is set to play a massive Manchester gig at the AO Arena later this year / Credit: Supplied
The 28-year-old – who is known and loved for her unconventional style of pop music and introspective songwriting – has recently delighted fans by confirming that she’ll be releasing her fourth studio album, titled Virgin, towards the end of next month, and not long after that highly-anticipated release is when you’ll be able to catch her taking to one of Manchester‘s biggest stages.
Fans of the critically-acclaimed pop star will be able to grab tickets to see Lorde when she performs at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday 15 November 2025 as part of the Ultrasound Tour.
Other major UK cities she’ll be stopping off at include London, Birmingham, and Glasgow – making this a somewhat exclusive ticket to get your hands on.
Tickets are set to go on general sale next week, following several pre-sales in the days leading up to it.
Support for Lorde’s Manchester gig is to come from equally-revered singer-songwriter and record producer, Dev Hynes – better known by his stage name, Blood Orange – who is believed to have lent several co-production credits to Lorde’s upcoming fourth studio album.
Fellow producer Jim-E Stack will also provide support in Manchester.
Lorde will be taking to the AO Arena stage here in Manchester on Saturday 15 November, and tickets officially go on general sale next Friday 16 May at 10am.
General sale follows two pre-sales – a Three+ Presale on Wednesday 14 May, followed by an AO Arena-specific Presale on Thursday 15 May, both going on sale again at 10am.
Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale here.
Emily Sergeant -
27th February 2023 
