Jake Paul is a unique talent difficult to pigeonhole. Time and again, he’s outgrown his previous labels. The prizefighter tag fits him well, but he’s clearly aiming higher. Can he transcend his current status and become a bona fide boxing champion? Now, he has the chance to redefine himself against yet another UFC veteran.

Paul surely has a knack for defeating UFC fighters, doesn’t he? 4 and counting, and now he has landed himself: Mike Perry. And still, you don’t know what he will do inside the ring. But this time, the battle he faces is a steep one, and an aggressive one too. Will he be able to do it? Let’s have a look at how the two guys stack up before the headliner captivates the fans at Amalie Arena this Saturday.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry: Tale of Tape

What has Paul done right in the ring? At 27, he has steadily built his career, fighting internet sensations, former UFC stars, and some pro boxers. And you have to give it to him that he has made his presence felt against all of them, and his hunger and zeal are the major reasons behind his impressive 9-1 record with 6 KOs. What has made Paul a pull for the fans is his aggressive style and the power behind his punches. How many times have you seen him finish fights in the very first round? Isn’t it a running theme now? His KO ratio of 66.67% also strengthens the same claim. How has Paul done it?

It’s his tall stature of 6’1″ (185 cm) and long levers, with a reach of 76.0″ (193 cm), that allows him to dictate the pace of the fight as well as impose his will on his opponents. What’s more? His dimensions have made him malleable even to the vagaries of the heavyweight division, as he added close to 220 pounds as he prepared for the Mike Tyson fight. The cutting down of weight to the limits of cruiserweight will add more swiftness to his legs. So, is it an impossible job that Perry has taken on himself?

Perry, at 32, has all the combat experience he needs. Fans remember him putting on shows in the UFC, and now in the BKFC, where he is muscling his way out to victories. If you turn on BKFC and spot any fighter with a blood fountain gushing out of their head, it’s most probably the Orlando native’s doing. But if you look at his boxing record, it stands in stark contrast.

He has only fought one boxing match, that too back in 2015, which he lost by KO. However, that was almost a decade ago, and he has grown as a fighter since, along with his notorious aggression. But the former UFC middleweight contender has to find ways to adjust to the height of Paul, as he stands tall at 5’10” (178 cm) and has a reach of 71.0″ (180 cm). You add into the mix the weight discrepancy between the two, and that also pushes him down the underdog route. While he last fought at light heavyweight in the BKFC in April, he has to make the weight of a cruiserweight. Even if he does that, does the BKFC star have what it takes to pull it off, especially after adding a 10-ounce glove to his devastating knuckles?

Prediction: X factor, and who might win it?

What has separated ‘Platinum’ from the rest is his relentless pressure and aggression. It keeps you on your toes, and if you lack proper defense, his punches will hurt you. But if you look closely, it’s not always his punching or boxing that wins him bouts, but his ability to draw damage. You also factor in his inexperience in boxing, and amusingly, he has never fought beyond the mark of 15 minutes in the majority of his fights. That makes you wonder whether Perry will be ripe for being ripped apart in the latter rounds.

But Perry has every weapon in his arsenal, a powerful punch, and a sturdy chin, which ‘Problem Child’ will find hard to negate. What will really allow him to turn the tide in his favor is his experience in fighting it out. He has faced foes of all sizes and styles. Not to mention his lion heart to take the fight to them. He is undoubtedly the most dangerous fighter Paul has ever faced in the ring. The Cleveland native, on the other hand, is more sharp with his punches. If Perry leaves himself open, Paul might exploit it to the fullest. Fighting mindlessly at full speed is not an option for Mike Perry. After all, it is called sweet science for a reason.

When you pit Paul’s and Perry’s resumes, you know Paul has superior technique and more experience fighting inside the ring. With his size and weight advantage, it could be a long night for Perry. However, Perry has the power and aggression that Paul has never faced in the ring. He could be the rude awakening Paul might stumble upon in his boxing journey. Will that happen? The fans will find out on Saturday night.

What do you make of this coming fight between Jake Paul and Mike Perry? Who do you believe will leave the arena with a victory? Let us know in the comments below.