Morecambe boxing coach helps Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul in Saudi Arabia

A Morecambe boxing coach helped Tommy Fury win his highly-publicised fight with YouTube celebrity Jake Paul in Saudi Arabia.

Bob Howard was in Fury's corner as he won a split decision over the American on Sunday night in Riyadh.

Morecambe-based Tyson Fury, the WBC Heavyweight Champion and Tommy's older brother, was also at ringside on a star-studded occasion in the Middle East.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tyson's boxing rivals Deontay Wilder and Dereck Chisora were in attendance too at a fight that transcended the sport of boxing for public interest due to the huge social media followings of both combatants.

The bout was described as "the most anticipated eight-round contest in boxing history".

Tommy, 23, first became famous on the ITV reality show Love Island, where he met his girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague. He then turned professional as a boxer and has now amassed nine straight wins.

Meanwhile the loudmouthed Jake Paul and his brother Logan Paul made their names on YouTube, amassing millions of followers with their controversial videos.

After eight rounds, the judges scored it: 75-74 Paul, 76-73 Fury and 76-73 Fury.

The Truth is revealed! Tommy Fury gets the decision win over Jake Paul! 🥊#PaulFury pic.twitter.com/YZIiNqtB8P

— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) February 26, 2023

Tommy suffered a flash knockdown when he fell off-balance after a Paul jab landed in the final round but had mainly dominated the fight, so the close split decision result was a surprise.

The younger Fury has spent time in Morecambe training with his brother Tyson, the world heavyweight champion who lives in the town.

Tommy and Tyson are pictured celebrating the win after the decision was announced. Image from BT Sport.

Tyson admitted after the fight he'd lost a bet on his brother to win via knockout.

"I'm very proud of Tommy," Tyson told BT Sport afterwards.

"It was as big as any world title fight I've seen. I think Tommy boxed the head off him at times. (Jake Paul) was better than I thought he'd be."

Bob Howard is a highly-respected coach of young boxers at the Coastal Amateur Boxing Club on West End Road.

He has also trained local professionals Isaac Lowe, Reece MacMillan and Owen Kirk, and is also renowned for his work at Lancaster Boys Club.

Joseph Parker, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, completed the Morecambe connection as he was part of Team Fury on fight night as well. The New Zealander has also trained regularly at Tyson's gym at Morecambe Football Club.

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