Fans brand Paul vs Woodley fight ‘rigged’ after footage of ‘hand twist’ gesture

Look closely

Fight fans are labelling Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley II rigged after the influencer turned boxer suddenly ended the fight with a knockout from nowhere. Paul, 24, sent Woodley to the canvas in round six of the fight in what, at first glance, looked like fine fashion. However, it didn't take long for social media to pick up on what could very well have been a blatant signal for Woodley to throw the fight. Watch: https://twitter.com/jakeverysmalld/status/1472448942516453379?s=20 As this user quickly breaks downs the clip above, you clearly see a distinct hand movement from Paul that doesn't particularly look like he is readying his fists for a punch; it looks more like cocking his wrists very clearly for the benefit of his opponent. Although slowing it down is always helpful and many have been quick to agree that Paul gives a clear signal to the former UFC welterweight champion, others have suggested looking so close in isolation means people are overanalysing, a la VAR. While many boxing fans feel understandably aggrieved - swindled by what they say as yet another fixed fight involving a Paul - others have at least seen the funny side of this somewhat expected outcome: two men who are not native to the discipline landing yet another huge payday. https://twitter.com/cIaudoli/status/1472442473393922054?s=20 Regardless, Paul's camp will obviously deny these allegations as will Woodley's; regardless of the MMA pro losing to the social media star twice, the fee across these two fights will have easily eclipsed the money he's earned in the UFC - especially if there was indeed a ducking bonus included. Nevertheless, the younger Paul brother sent out a clear message to his doubters following his victory, though he's still yet to come up against a genuine boxer. https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/1472450298690121728?s=20

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