Jake Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. Prediction: Can Rahman Jr Hand Paul his First Loss?

Jake Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. Prediction: Can Rahman Jr Hand Paul his First Loss?

Jake Paul will be back in the ring in two weeks as he faces short-notice opponent Hasim Rahman Jr. This will be Jake Paul's sixth professional boxing match, as he is 5-0 with four knockouts. His opponent, Rahman Jr., is 12-1 in his professional boxing career with six knockouts. His only loss is to James Morrison, an undefeated boxer with a 19-0 record. Paul is currently the favorite, coming in with a -230 price tag in this fight, while the comeback on Rahman Jr. is priced at +185. Is it worth laying the price with Jake Paul?

Jake Paul vs Hasim Rahman Jr. Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: Saturday, August 6
• Start Time: 11:30 pm ET (estimated)
• Where to Watch: Showtime PPV, ShoAnytime App

Click Here for Paul vs Rahman Odds

Jake Paul vs Hasim Rahman Jr. Prediction

The first thing to notice about this fight is that Jake Paul is finally fighting a "real" boxer. Paul has received flack over the last few years since going pro because he has yet to fight a professional boxer with actual experience. Well, Paul was initially set to fight Tommy Fury, who has an 8-0 record in boxing, but Fury had to back out after he had visa troubles. The two have said the fight will eventually happen, but for now, it is Rahman Jr. who has stepped in to face "the problem child."

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The resume argument isn't an unfair one against Paul, though, when you look at his wins. His first fight against Ali Eason Gib was both their debuts, so while it was even, it wasn't against a formidable opponent. Then, Paul fought Nate Robinson, and I mean, come on. Then, Paul fought someone who actually had fighting experience, Ben Askren, but Askren was a retired MMA fighter who was more a wrestler than a striker.

Next, Paul did the same thing and fought Tyron Woodley, another washed-up MMA fighter who was a wrestler. Woodley was at least a UFC champion so that knockout win the second time around was actually somewhat impressive. In 27 MMA fights, Woodley had only been knocked out twice, but boxing is different, so it's hard to tell how much credit should be given for that. Still, not one of Jake Paul's opponents thus far has been an actual professional boxer. Hasim Rahman Jr. is.

Rahman Jr. is coming off the first loss of his boxing career, fighting for the USA-USNBC heavyweight belt just months ago in Las Vegas. As previously mentioned, Rahman Jr. fought undefeated James Morrison, who is now 19-0, but Rahman Jr. fought a good fight before getting caught with the knockout blow. Rahman Jr. was actually ahead on the scorecards in the fifth round, but a heavy blow from Morrison sat him down, and he could not continue.

The key to this fight will be winning early for Hasim. Hasim tends to trail off as the fight progresses, with his posture slowly worsening with each round. He will have to be careful because Paul's cardio is excellent, and he beat Woodley the second time around by wearing him down over the fight before catching him with a right hook. If Rahman Jr. can win the early rounds, he could edge out a decision or potentially knock Paul out early. If he doesn't, this should be Paul's fight to lose, as he is the fresher fighter late in the fight and has shown he has excellent power, even late in fights.

Even though Paul's 5-0 record has been built off of cans, don't deny him the credit for taking training seriously and becoming a good boxer. His technical striking from his Nate Robinson fight to his most recent knockout over Woodley is impressive. He looks like he has trained extensively and wants to make a legitimate career out of this. He smartly invests in the body, attempting to drop his opponent's hands and also tire them out quicker.

This is how he beat Tyron Woodley the second time around. However, this is the biggest test he has faced thus far, and Rahman Jr. is the legitimate boxer people have wanted to see him fight. Rahman Jr. will also be the bigger fighter with a reach advantage, which is another thing Paul will have to figure out how to overcome.

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Rahman Jr.'s striking will be the best that Paul has yet to see inside the ring, and we haven't seen anyone seriously test Paul's chin. I think Rahman Jr. is the better bet just because of the price on him. I don't think Paul deserves to be over -200 in this fight, so I'm backing Rahman Jr. simply from a value perspective, but once knockout lines come out, I will probably back Rahman Jr. by knockout because I don't see him winning by a decision here.

Jake Paul vs Hasim Rahman Jr. Pick

Play: Hasim Rahman Jr. ML @ +185 (Bet $100 to win $185)

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