TAMPA — YouTube star-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul has a new opponent for his boxing match Dec. 18 at Amalie Arena.
Former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley, who lost to Paul via split decision in August, will step in for a rematch of what was Woodley’s first-ever boxing match.
Tommy Fury was originally scheduled to face Paul, who has a record of 4-0.
Fury pulled out of the contest “due to a medical issue that impacted his training camp,” according to a news release.
Paul vs. Woodley II is scheduled for eight rounds at a contract weight of 192 pounds.
“When my team woke me up on Friday to tell me Tommy was pulling out, I told them I’m ready to fight anyone on December 18,” Paul said in the news release. “Tyron is there to pick it up, stepping in, and contractually he is getting an extra $500,000 if he knocks me out. First time I outboxed him. This time I’m gonna punish him and leave no doubt.”
Fury, the brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and who has a record of 7-0, was to be Paul’s first fight against an experienced boxer.
Paul’s initial win was against YouTuber AnEsonGib and his next was against former NBA player Nate Robinson, before moving on to headline two boxing cards against mixed martial artists Ben Askren and Woodley.
The undercard for Paul vs. Woodley II includes current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano taking on 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez and three NBA All-Star Deron Williams fighting Frank Gore, the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher, in heavyweight bout.