Jake Paul and Tommy Fury’s highly-anticipated bout finally arrives this Sunday, 26 February and not only are fights fans and sceptics alike eager to see what happens, but some of boxing’s biggest names are getting their predictions in.
The influencer turned pro boxer and younger Fury brother have both talked a big game ahead of the fight, the build-up to which feels like it has been dragged out significantly as a result of multiple cancellations and rearrangements thanks to last-minute injuries, visa issues and so on.
However, the pair have now reached the point of no return and having had the official face-off, the boxing world is now left to decide whose going to win. Unsurprisingly, Tommy’s big brother Tyson is backing family but did finally concede that Jake can, indeed, fight.
Nevertheless, the ‘Gypsy King’ still believes “100% Tommy is going to win” and even believes it’ll be a knockout victory.
Although it’s clear there is now an acceptance among the Fury camp that the younger Paul brother can and has been fighting professionally for some time now, Tyson did caveat: “I don’t think he can beat a Fury, no”.
ADVERTISEMENT
He also went on to say he is “very proud” of his brother for putting on a proper main event like this, adding that “he has always believed in himself”, even when he was a little kid. As for the other Tyson present for the fight in Saudi Arabia, ‘Iron Mike’ had a different take on who he thinks is going to edge it.
As a true boxing legend and global sporting icon, many might have assumed that Mike Tyson would pretty resistant to the rising celebrity and influencer advent within the discipline, but having proved himself to be taking this thing seriously after six straight wins, he’s clearly convinced ‘Kid Dynamite’.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 56-year-old admitted that while he hasn’t seen Tommy Fury fight before, he said: “I don’t think he’ll be able to beat Jake Paul”. He also believes the 26-year-old is only getting “better and better as he fights”, insisting that “someone’s getting knocked out… someones 0 has got to go”.
On the other hand, while both fighters are currently undefeated in their fledgling careers — Fury boasting just two more wins than Paul — and Tyson believes that he is “the biggest name in boxing right now besides the heavyweights”, the likes of Derek Chisora can’t seem to decide what the fight means.
Derek Chisora told me it’s “a disgrace to boxing” if the WBC give Jake Paul an official world ranking for defeating Tommy Fury pic.twitter.com/ROwy1xxElS
Despite initially telling IFL TV that he believes Paul will “get knocked out… along as he’s getting paid” (a suspicion many have levelled given all of the hype thus far), Chisora has most recently named the American as the favourite but still feels all the posturing might be his downfall.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking to the Mirror, he said: “all the odds are favouring Jake and everything, all the fans are saying ‘Jake, Jake, Jake’. But I’ve got a feeling that Jake might get stopped by Tommy, but if that happens then ‘oh wow’.”
Moreover, it seems he is more concerned with what a victory for Paul would mean for boxing at large after the WBC said he would gain a ranking if he beats Fury. Chisora noted that “it’s hard enough for real athletes, real boxers to gain those rankings” and the rules shouldn’t be bent for the sake of money.
These are just a few of the boxers who have given their Paul vs Fury predictions and, aside from the result, it seems so many both within the industry and beyond can’t decide whether it’s good for the sport or not.
What do you think and who do you think is going to take the W on Sunday?
You can watch the highlights from the final pre-match press conference and a rather fiery face-off down below:
Featured Image — BT Sport/Boxing Social (via Twitter)/Jake Paul (via IG)
Sport
Super League Basketball Cup Finals return to Manchester for second year running
Danny Jones
Following the roaring success of last season’s epic conclusion, the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup Finals are returning to the AO in Manchester.
Coming back for a second consecutive edition, the SLB’s domestic cup finals tournament will be taking over the city centre’s historic sporting and entertainment space for what is sure to be an even more exciting contest than the previous.
Intertwining themselves even deeper with UK basketball’s premier division, we’ll be hoping we can carry the home advantage all the way this time around.
Landing early next year, the arena’s bowl will be turned into a basketball venue which will host the top teams and talents throughout Britain.
Showcasing some of the very best men’s and women’s stars, this is one of the competition’s biggest flagship dates on the national calendar.
Offering clubs the first real chance of winning major silverware in the annual campaign, the organisers are urging fans to grab their tickets earlier than ever this year, with interest in the domestic game increasing constantly.
Local fans really showed up this past spring.
Set to take place on Sunday, 21 March 2027, next year’s deciders will see the female final tip off in the early afternoon, before the men’s players take to the court for a chance at the trophy.
In Manc basketball news, MCR have confirmed several key signings ahead of the new term, including a former London Lion.
SLB’s Head of Events, Clare Holmes, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the SLB Cup Finals back to the AO Arena for a second consecutive year.
“Last season’s event demonstrated the incredible appetite for elite basketball in Manchester, with a fantastic atmosphere created by supporters from across the country.
“Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our major events, and we’re excited to welcome fans back for another unforgettable day celebrating the very best of Super League Basketball.”
Early pre-sale access will be available to fans signed up to the official mailing list from Monday, 10 August, while general admission tickets go live at 10am the following week (17 Aug).
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena/MCR Basketball)
Sport
Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Danny Jones -
24th February 2023 
