Mike Coppinger, ESPND15. December 2023, 11:19 p.m. ET
Jake Paul scored a highlight-reel first-round knockout over Andre August in Orlando, Florida, Friday night, marking the second act of his boxing career as he looks to establish himself as a cruiserweight title contender.
Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) uncorked a right uppercut that caught August clean and sent him bouncing headfirst off the canvas. The referee waved off the fight with 28 seconds left in the opening round.
“I set up my shot and it went off into the night,” said Paul, who was accompanied by his brother Logan Paul, the WWE United States champion. “It’s all part of the process, the next step to becoming world champion. Obviously these guys can’t keep up with me.”
Paul's first six fights were crossover events against former MMA fighters. His seventh was his first loss, a decision loss to Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Friday night's fight suggested a change in direction, a matchup aimed at gaining Paul more flavor than notoriety as he looks to make a bid for the 200-pound belt.
August (10-2-1, 5 KOs) returned in August to score a decision in a six-round fight and end a nearly four-year layoff. The 35-year-old was Paul's most experienced opponent to date.
“Right now, my focus is on being the best in the world and writing one of the greatest sports stories in the history of sports: being able to become a world champion,” said Disney Channel’s Paul. “Now I’m lasered.”
Crews-Dezurn angers Green
Franchon Crews-Dezurn defeated Shadasia Green to regain the WBC super middleweight title in the co-feature. The results were 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93.
Crews-Dezurn (9-2, 2 KOs) and Green (13-1, 11 KOs) fought for the 168-pound title, which became available after the injured Savannah Marshall was named champion on break.
Crews-Dezurn, 36, of Baltimore entered the bout ranked No. 3 by ESPN at 168 pounds, while Green, 34, of New Jersey was ranked No. 2.