TAMPA, Fla. — Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley were on different paths in the latter half of 2021.
Paul was preparing for a bout with Tommy Fury. On the other hand, Woodley was in the gym preparing for the possibility that Fury would back out and getting ready for four fights in 2022. But, as the old saying goes, "Anything can happen in boxing." That rang true when Fury bowed out and Woodley immediately jumped at the chance to avenge his August loss to the social media star. The opportunity comes on Saturday when they clash at the Amalie Arena.
Before they step into the ring, Paul and Woodley took the stage on Thursday for the final pre-fight press conference. Would Paul and Woodley have another near brawl like what happened before their presser in August, or do they keep it cordial and respectful?
For the most part, Paul and Woodley kept things respectful. They talked over each other a couple of times, but nothing to the point where you felt it wouldn't get physical or an incident would spill into the crowd. After the presser concluded, the social media star and the former UFC welterweight champion went face-to-face. While intense as neither guy moved an inch, Paul and Woodley were civil before walking off.
The only time the press conference got a bit intense was when Paul was asked if he'd do MMA in the future. Paul, who showed up to the presser in a bank robber outfit and a belt that he named "The Most Valuable Boxer," with diamonds and other accessories, said he'd be interested in doing it.
"100 percent I think it can happen," Paul said about a possible transition to MMA.
Woodley cut him off and said, "You're a liar."
"Why not. Why not?" Paul fired back.
"You're a liar," Woodley retorted.
"If I can learn how to box in two years and beat people like him, then why can't I learn how to do MMA," Paul responded.
"Let's do MMA then," Woodley said in response.
Paul and Woodley verbally sparred for another couple of seconds before they were cut off and the press conference concluded.
Here is what happened at the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley press conference.