By Curran Bhatia
Jake Paul, a name that evokes strong reactions, has undeniably made his mark in the world of combat sports. Known as "The Problem Child," Jake has transitioned from a YouTube sensation to a legitimate professional boxer, drawing fans and critics alike. His knack for self-promotion and strategic fight choices have kept him in the spotlight and his boxing career flourishing and he now boasts a 9-1 record with six wins coming by way of knockout.
Paul's upcoming fight against "Platinum" Mike Perry on July 20th is yet another example of his ability to create buzz. Originally scheduled to fight the legendary Mike Tyson, the bout was postponed, leading to Perry stepping in. This matchup, set to take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view, promising to be a spectacle for sports entertainment enthusiasts worldwide. To get you ready for the event, TrillerTV will have several past fights from each fighter that are included with a TrillerTV+ subscription.
Here are five reasons to watch Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry on July 20th…
#1 - ENTERTAINING OPPONENTS WITH THE "WHAT WILL HAPPEN" FACTOR
One of Paul's strengths lies in his selection of opponents. By fighting a variety of challengers, from MMA fighters to former basketball players, he has broadened his appeal and brought new audiences to boxing. This approach has not only enhanced his profile but also provided his opponents and undercard fighters with increased visibility. More eyeballs to the sport of boxing is always a good thing.
Despite the polarizing opinions surrounding him, there is no denying Jake Paul's impact on boxing. His ability to attract younger viewers has boosted the sport's popularity, bridging gaps between different fan bases and making boxing more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, Paul has been vocal about fighter pay, advocating for better compensation for undercard fighters and elevating women's boxing with the addition of Amando Serrano and others to the MVP roster.
Paul's critics often question his legitimacy as a boxer, but time after time, he has proven himself capable of delivering entertaining bouts and significant events. The biggest source of entertainment is the "what will happen" factor - you just don't know how a young content creator turned boxer will fare against a former UFC fighter - that is where the intrigue lies. That is exactly the backdrop for the July 20th event and Paul's opponent: ‘Platinum' Mike Perry.
#2 - "PLATINUM" MIKE PERRY: A TOUGH AND UNPREDICTABLE OPPONENT
On July 20th, Jake Paul will face a formidable opponent in Mike Perry. Known for his aggressive fighting style and resilience, Perry is a seasoned combat sports athlete. Although his professional boxing record stands at 0-1, Perry has built an impressive resume in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he has remained unbeaten in five fights.
Perry's transition from MMA and bare-knuckle fighting to professional boxing adds an intriguing dynamic to this matchup. His experience in different combat sports disciplines gives him a unique edge, and his unorthodox style could pose challenges for Paul. Despite being relatively new to professional boxing, Perry's fighting spirit and unpredictability make him a dangerous opponent.
The clash between Paul and Perry promises to be an exciting and intense encounter. Fans can expect power and determination from both fighters. One of the most significant factors will be how Jake will handle Perry's aggression or will that aggression play into Jake's hands.
#3 - ENTERTAINMENT VALUE AND HIGH STAKES
The matchup between Jake Paul and Mike Perry is not just about boxing; it's about entertainment. Both fighters are known for their showmanship and ability to engage audiences. This fight is expected to deliver high-energy action, dramatic moments, and a significant entertainment factor.
For Jake Paul, this fight is a chance to continue to bounce back from his first professional loss to Tommy Fury. Despite the setback, Paul remains determined to prove himself as a legitimate boxer. Paul has been proving himself, first with a win against legendary MMA fighter Nate Diaz, and then a pair of 1st round knockouts against traditional boxers.
Mike Perry, on the other hand, is eager to make a statement in professional boxing. After a successful run in the BKFC, Perry aims to showcase his traditional boxing skills and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. A victory over Paul would significantly boost Perry's profile and open up new opportunities in his combat sports career - and open the door to more high-profile entertainment events.
#4 - STACKED UNDERCARD WITH PROFICIENT BOXING TALENT
If you have any questions about the traditional boxing talent in this event between Jake Paul and Mike Perry, you just have to look at the stacked undercard, which features exciting matchups with legitimate boxing talent. Fans can look forward to seeing Amanda "The Real Deal" Serrano, one of the greatest fighters of this generation, in action. Serrano is one of the most dominant female boxers in history, known for her versatility, power, and skill. She will be facing Stevie Morgan.
Another fighter to watch is Ashton "H2O" Sylve, a 19-year-old phenom with a record of 11-0 and 9 KOs. Sylve has been making waves in the boxing world with his sensational knockouts, charismatic personality, and unique ring walks. He will be taking on Lucas Bahdi.
Additionally, this card will feature Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. facing Uriah Hall and Shadasia Green taking on Natasha Spence. These fights add depth to the event and provide more "what will happen" intrigue.
#5 - THE STAGE IS SET FOR A FUN SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT CARD AND ATMOSPHERE
As the date approaches, the anticipation for Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry continues to build. This fight represents a crossroads clash between a young, brash upstart and a seasoned combat sports veteran. The stakes are high for both fighters, and their contrasting styles make for a solid showdown.
Jake Paul's journey from YouTube to professional boxing has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to captivate audiences and generate interest in his fights has been a driving force behind his success. Facing Mike Perry, a fighter with a gritty and relentless approach, adds another layer of intrigue to this bout.
Jake Paul knows this is the perfect opponent to stay busy and prepare for ‘Iron' Mike Tyson:
He's [Mike Perry's] a proven knockout artist who has shown to be a maniac in and out of the ring. This is the perfect experience for me to gain in advance of facing Mike Tyson. As I prepare for my fight against Iron Mike, there's no better opponent for me than Mike Perry.
For Mike Perry, this fight is an opportunity to prove himself in the world of professional boxing. His success in bare-knuckle fighting and MMA has earned him a reputation as a tough and unpredictable competitor. A victory over Jake Paul would be a great launching pad into professional boxing and open doors to new challenges.
Mike Perry is ready for this opportunity and is not shy of his intentions on July 20th:
I'm going to hit him, and he's not going to like it. I'm going to chase him around the ring, I'm going to make him tired and keep that pressure on him.
As fight night approaches, fans around the world eagerly await the outcome. Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry promises to be a tremendous event, combining skill and entertainment. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV. To get you ready for the event, TrillerTV will have several past fights from each fighter, all included with a TrillerTV+ subscription.
Jake Paul and Mike Perry are set to deliver an action-packed and entertaining event - The question of "what will happen" will be answered on July 20th.
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Curran Bhatia Bio
Curran Bhatia is a 4-time Emmy® nominee at HBO Sports. With nearly a decade of experience at HBO, Curran produced/directed long-form documentaries (including the Emmy award-winning series "24/7"), and 250+ live events. Since HBO, Curran has stepped in front of the camera as On-Air Talent, Host, Play-By-Play Announcer, Analyst, Essayist, and Interviewer on ESPN, NBC Sports, SNY, FOX Sports, DAZN, Prime Video, Netflix, and more. Curran hosts Ask The Experts podcast. Follow Curran on all social channels: @CurranBhatia & see more at CBhatia.com
