Former Bellator fighter Anthony Taylor was full of praise for Jake Paul following the latter's boxing match against Tommy Fury.
Although Fury claimed a split decision victory over Paul in Sunday's bout, Paul came away from the loss with a renewed respect from those inside the combat sports world, including Taylor. In fact, Taylor is convinced that Paul should've walked away the winner.
“I think Jake edged it. The knockdown was the difference. Jake won that fight," Taylor said in an interview with Midnite.
“He never gave up and he was dangerous to the end. He came up short but he proved he is a professional fighter. If you consider Tommy a professional, you have to consider Jake a professional because in the eighth round he knocked Fury onto the seat of his pants.
“No-one can tell him he's not a professional fighter. Anyone who says he's a YouTuber not a boxer, you have no idea what you're talking about.”
Taylor believes that, should a rematch happen, Paul will use his experience from Sunday's fight and pull off a better result next time.
“Jake will activate the rematch clause because he's been through hell trying to fight Tommy with the pullouts and then having to beat Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva," Taylor said.
“Jake lost thousands of dollars on deposits for venues when Tommy pulled out. He deserves another chance and this time, with lessons learned, he'll put a beating on Tommy.
“He'll be smarter. He'll be smarter in the way he applies pressure. There really wasn't much between them, but one thing is certain Tommy will never step out of the shadow of [his older brother] Tyson."