JAKE PAUL and Tommy Fury meet in a massive celebrity grudge match that has been dividing opinions.
After two Fury pullouts – amid injury and US visa issues – the boxing rivals have rescheduled their huge fight once more.
GettyJake Paul and Tommy Fury fight on February 26 in Saudi Arabia[/caption]
They are set for eight scheduled rounds at a catchweight of 185lb on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
The bookies are split and so are the pundits, with everyone keen for an inside knowledge.
And one man on hand to do so is 22-1 light-heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali, who has sparred BOTH men.
He shared some rounds in 2020 when Paul was just a raw novice, preparing for his second boxing bout.
Meanwhile, he sparred Fury last summer when the Brit took a trip to Florida with big brother Tyson.
So ahead of the big pay-per-view fight on the weekend, Elbiali spoke with SunSport to break down who holds the key advantages.
RING IQ
AE: I think Jake is mentally more focused tactically, because he has to be because he’s missed out on so many fundamental years.
His team are tactically getting him better. I think Jake knows these things and Tommy is just relying on his fundamentals and skills. Whereas Jake, his mind is working.
Instagram @jakepaulJake Paul sparring during training camp[/caption]
SPEED
AE: Tommy, because of his fundamentals.
Remember, the closest point to the target is a straight line so if you’re not opening up, and Tommy will open up less because of his fundamentals.
Ahmed Elbiali, left, in training with Tommy Fury
POWER
AE: I’m going to say 50/50. They’re both cruiserweights, they hit decent. They’re strong boys.
They have good right hands but they don’t throw combination punches, they’re both usually jab, right hand, double jab, right hand.
They’re both trying to land big right hands.
Jake Paul knocking out ex-UFC champion Tyron WoodleyGetty Images – Getty
CARDIO
AE: I would say 50/50, too.
I think physically, Jake can go longer but fundamentally Tommy can go longer too, he’s used to it.
They can both go eight rounds.
Tommy Fury and Jake Paul fight over eight roundsGetty
COMPOSURE
AE: Tommy. When I sparred Jake – remember I’m like a veteran in their eyes – him sparring me was almost quite intimidating.
As for Tommy, he wasn’t too intimidated because it was controlled sparring.
I could see some intimidation, I’m older than these guys by maybe seven or eight years, but with Jake it was a little bit more because it was open sparring.
But I carried the man, I’m not going to f***ing kill the dude.
@ahmedelbialiAhmed Elbiali training with Tommy Fury[/caption]
PREDICTION
AE: For some reason, I see Jake winning. And I’m friends with Tyson, I’m acquaintances with Tommy.
It’s no disrespect, but in this game it’s sometimes who wants it more and I feel Jake wants it more.
I can see him winning by knockout but more so a close or controversial decision. Because both are going to do their best not to get knocked out.
They both don’t want to take the chance of scoring a knockout and risk getting knocked out in the process.
I see Jake winning a decision, maybe very close and enough to do a rematch.
Jake Paul beat Anderson Silva in his last fightEsther Lin/ SHOWTIME Read More