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”.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
News
Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Emily Sergeant -
27th February 2023 
