The Review & Preview - #3
Tommy Fury wins, Johnny Bones returns & our first winner
Evening all!
Only one place to start this week & it’s the fight we all wish we didn’t enjoy.
Yep, the YouTube sensation vs The Love Island contestant.
Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul.
Look, I give this fight very little respect.
I thought it was a cash grab, a pointless parade for disillusioned celebrities.
I guess it was to some degree.
But, I think both Jake Paul and Tommy Fury DO deserve some respect.
I was actually entertained by the fight.
I thought it was two novices, like we predicted, putting their skills to the test but it was in front of such an audience that it brought huge amounts of pressure and they both dealt with.
Yes, they also got paid handsomely for the pleasure but they give us an entertaining fight and I hope they both get credit for that.
Whats next?
Despite the emotion and the ugly WBC belt, last night showed us that Tommy Fury won’t ever be a legitimate world champion and I think he knows that…deep down.
It was a close, competitive fight and probably the first time in his career he has actually been pushed but with the defensive flaws on show, he would be wise to avoid any domestic challengers at either light heavyweight or cruiserweight.
Will he improve?
Yes.
However, improving to the point he is competitive in what we would call ‘real’ boxing is a big ask.
The logical step is to remain (and probably dominate) this influencer boxing scene.
KSI?
Why not?
For Jake Paul, I don’t think it changes much.
He has been ridiculed and laughed at since the start.
We all expected this loss to come.
The first time he fought someone out of their 40’s, he lost.
Big deal.
He still has enough money, fame and followers to plough down this influencer boxing road he has built himself and I actually think this will inflate his ego rather than deflate it.
After all, he dropped a ‘real’ boxer.
I expect him to chase the rematch, or KSI but probably end up fighting Nate Diaz or someone along them lines.
Or maybe The Cobra?
Who seemed to enjoy watching Jake Paul lose.
The real winner?
…..US!
If you read Friday’s edition, I hope you followed the fight to go the distance tip that was in the + money and you are enjoying a nice extra few £ in the bank this morning.
Always helps, doesn’t it?
Sticking with boxing but the actual real stuff
Subriel Matias became the IBF super lightweight champion with a very impressive victory over Jeremias Ponce.
140 is a weird division but Matias is a certain player.
He is raw, at times, but that power is undeniable.
He is a serious problem for everyone at 140.
Looking Forward
Boxing takes a back seat this weekend as the MMA world comes to a halt to admire the return of THE GOAT.
Johnny ‘Bones’ Jones.
Outside of the octagon, Jones never covers himself in glory. Ever.
But when that cage door locks, you cannot deny how utterly brilliant he has been for over a decade.
As the youngest ever UFC champion, his name is in the history books forever and that run at light heavyweight in the early years was as impressive as anything we have ever seen as MMA fans.
But, that was a LONG, LONG time ago.
In recent times, the brilliant Jon Jones hasn’t show up.
Still undefeated but not brilliant.
We are all super hyped for this return but the facts remain, his final three fights at light heavyweight didn’t impress anybody.
Three decision wins. One of those a split decision and the fight with Reyes?
He didn’t win, that’s just my opinion.
It’s been three years since that fight with Reyes and that’s enough time for us to all forget and get nostalgic but the sport of MMA is a ruthless business and more importantly, time waits for no man.
I will be like a kid at Christmas watching Johnny Bones make his way to the octagon in the early hours of Sunday morning but does the phenomenon still exist?
I have my doubts.
For Ciryl Gane, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
He was never meant to be the guy in the opposite corner.
That spot was reserved for his conqueror, Francis Ngannou.
When Francis decided to exit the UFC, ‘Bon Gamin’ answered the call.
He always does.
As the younger, bigger, quicker man he holds a serious chance of beating an all time great this weekend.
I will break down his chances more on Friday but just remember this as you digest all the fight week content.
Ciryl Gane is a dangerous man.
A Royal Support Cast
As far as undercards go, UFC 285 is as spectacular as you can get.
From the early prelims, where we have Ian Garry with a potential breakout moment, to Cody Garbrandt’s return on the prelims to a disgustingly good main card.
I will break down that entire main card on Friday but honestly, that is as good as it gets.
This will be a bit of a special week so keep an eye out for both Wednesday and Friday’s Newsletter!
Please keep commenting, liking and sharing, it is all appreciated and the numbers are going through the roof!
See you all on Wednesday!
Belter Jord