Boxing’s biggest disrupter returns as Jake Paul heads to the Amalie Arena on July 20. An ulcer flare-up delayed a fight against Mike Tyson contest. Now, Paul faces Mike Perry, the “King of Violence.”
Paul (9-1) competes against his fifth different MMA fighter in six fights (he beat Tyron Woodley twice). He is 2-1 against boxers, winning two straight against legitimate boxers, considered on his level. The YouTuber was preparing to face a 58-year-old Tyson, but Paul is ready to fight someone that reminds him of “Iron” Mike.
“This guy is violent. Mike Perry is a killer. He’s a mini Mike Tyson,” Paul told Dan Rafael via Big Fight Weekend. "The fans love this. The fans have been wanting this for a couple of years, so let’s make this happen, and that’s really where the motivation came from.”
Perry (1-0) turned pro in MMA in 2014. "Platinum" joined the UFC in 2016, going 7-8 with the promotion. He found a home with Bare Knuckle FC, going 5-0 in bare-knuckle fighting, winning three straight via TKO. The Paul fight will be his second pro boxing bout.
WATCH: Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry, live on DAZN
Paul will have a five-inch reach and a few-inch height advantage over Perry. Still, the former sparring partner of Paul believes he will have an edge on fight night.
Who will emerge victorious?
Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry odds
Per the DraftKings Sportsbook, Jake Paul is the -340 favorite, while Mike Perry is the +250 underdog.
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry prop bet picks
Here are some of the fun prop bets available on DraftKings that offer the best value.
- Jake Paul via KO/TKO: -125
- Jake Paul via decision: +250
- Mike Perry via KO/TKO: +450
- Mike Perry via decision: +1200
- Draw: +1200
- To go the Distance: Yes (+150), No (-205)
- Fight to End in the First 60 Seconds of Round 1: Yes (+3000)
- To Be Knocked Down and Win: Jake Paul (+900), Mike Perry (+1800)
To see even more props for Paul-Perry, head over to DraftKings.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry prediction
Both fighters can be brawlers if they want to be. However, their in-ring mechanics reveal opposing methods of attack.
Paul is a power puncher but can also fight in and out of the distance. He landed 49 of 157 shots (31.2%) against Tommy Fury, knocking down the Love Island star in a loss. Against Nate Diaz, Paul landed 174 of 491 shots (35.4%), landing 140 for power. Of those shots, 34 jabs kept Diaz at bay, and he went the distance against someone known for being a cardio king.
Against Andre August, Paul used his jabs to push his opponent back, and when August tried to land something meaningful, Paul put him to sleep. Paul used jabs, uppercuts, and body shots to bully Ryan Bourland, who had one fight in four and a half years before facing Paul. He later trapped Bourland in the corner and landed a flurry of punches to the head.
In the octagon, Perry landed 4.32 significant strikes per minute. He also absorbed 5.16 significant strikes per minute, absorbing triple-digit shots in his last two fights.
MORE: Who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world?
What he has done in Bare Knuckle FC is pretty impressive.
Perry got outlanded 127-110 against Eddie Alvarez, but he landed more shots in the clinch to the head and got the win via TKO. He landed 50% of his shots (30 of 60) against Luke Rockhold for another TKO win.
With a kill-or-be-killed mindset, Perry is a wild card. He may be the most dangerous Paul opponent to date. Will his bare-knuckle skills transfer well to boxing, where patience is key? Can Paul knock out Perry, someone who doesn’t mind getting punished?
It may not be a technical fight. However, the clash of styles may result in the fight going the distance. If that is the case, Paul, who has taken his career seriously despite detractors, may be named the winner.
Sporting News prediction: Paul via unanimous decision
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
