Tommy Fury beats Jake Paul in Saudi Arabia: 'This is a world title for me'

Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul by split decision in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, declaring that he had made his own "legacy" while also leaving open the possibility of a rematch with the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Briton Fury, the half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, took a standing eight count in the eighth and final round of the cruiserweight contest at Diriyah Arena but was still awarded the bout 76-73 on two judges' scorecards with one judge giving Paul the fight 75-74.

Addressing the crowd through tears afterwards, Fury said: “For the past two-and-a-half years this has consumed my life but tonight I secured my own legacy. This is a world title for me.

“This was my first main event. I will come back bigger and better and stronger, if he wants the rematch he can bring it on.”

Paul, who calls himself "The Problem Child", drew loud boos with his post-fight claim that he "got sick really bad twice in this camp" and "injured my arm", though he added he was "not making excuses".

He told reporters that Fury had "impressive combinations" but that the loss was "a reflection of my own performance".

"I couldn't get my momentum going like I wanted to and I just felt kind of flat," he said.

A triumphant Fury, for his part, boasted that he "showed everybody that I ain't scared of no one and I can cut it in the big dance."

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