JAKE PAUL rematching with Tyron Woodley is a ‘gangster move’ but an heroic ‘mistake’.
That’s the claim of ex-UFC star Chael Sonnen after YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul called in Woodley to replace Tommy Fury on December 18.
Tyson Fury’s unbeaten half-brother Tommy would have been a huge step up for Paul but pulled out of next week’s bout with a reported rib injury and chest infection.
Now former UFC welterweight champ Woodley, 39, is targeting revenge against his American rival at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida.
But Sonnen believes Paul is taking a ‘very big risk’ by again facing the only one of his four victims who had previous professional boxing experience.
Paul, 24, won their first fight on a split decision four months ago.
And asked on The MMA Hour if Paul was making a mistake, Sonnen replied: “I think it is. And this mistake is what I respect about it so much.
“This is a real fighter move… He has nothing to gain here.
“This is a huge risk by Jake… and if Tyron beats him, you can bet your a**e they’re going to go to part three, which would be even bigger.”
MMA promoter Sonnen – who was known as The American Gangster in the Octagon – added: “Jake Paul does not need this fight.
“However, there’s 20 other men and women on that card whose Christmas will be ruined, whose holidays will be ruined, if they don’t get to go out there and compete.
“Jake Paul followed the golden rule of show business, which is the show must go on.
“That is a gangster move — and he deserves credit for it. I really respect it.
“I think he’s up against it. I think he really is.
“And I think that Tyron has gone to bed every single night thinking about Jake Paul, praying on his hands and knees that this opportunity comes.
“I think that Tyron’s in a very good spot.”
