Key storylines to follow ahead of Paul-Woodley 2

YouTube star Jake Paul and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley are set to collide in the boxing ring for the second time Saturday night on Showtime pay-per-view.

Paul was supposed to square off with Tommy Fury at the event in Tampa, but Fury withdrew due to an injury and Woodley stepped up for the rematch on less than two weeks' notice.

Paul and Woodley fought for the first time in August, with Paul winning by split decision.

Here are four storylines to follow ahead of their second meeting:

Paul's chance to return to KO ways

Paul had the toughest fight of his career last time out against Woodley. He went the distance for the first time, and Woodley knocked him into the ropes in the fourth round.

Although going eight rounds allowed Paul to display a more well-rounded skill set, the YouTube star rapidly gained traction in the boxing world due to his big knockouts, not because he outpointed his opponents en route to lackluster decisions.

A few people - including one judge - even thought Woodley deserved to win, so this is Paul's chance to right that wrong by knocking out Woodley and leaving no doubt.

At 24 years old and currently 4-0 as a professional boxer, Paul should be making significant improvements each training camp. The rematch is also an opportunity to show that growth and prove that he's already a better fighter than the guy who beat Woodley a few months ago.

Woodley's short-notice miracle

Soon after the first Paul-Woodley fight - and their verbal agreement to a rematch should Woodley get a tattoo - it seemed that the rematch wouldn't materialize.

Paul was hoping for a step up in competition against someone like Fury. Even when Woodley finally got the tattoo, Paul said it was too late.

But then Fury got hurt. And Paul knew Woodley was the man to call to save the event. Set to make another big payday, Christmas came early for "The Chosen One."

Woodley talked a big game before the first fight with Paul. He said he'd knock him out. He said he'd be aggressive (tentativeness was a big issue toward the end of his UFC career). He said it'd be an easy fight. But he largely failed to deliver on those promises.

Many people considered it an embarrassment for Woodley to go from being a UFC champion in 2019 to losing a boxing match to an internet celebrity two years later. This is Woodley's shot to change the narrative surrounding this final chapter of his career. This is also his shot to make people forget about the loss to Paul.

Second chances don't come around often, so Woodley needs to make the most of it.

Who should be favored?

You can't really argue that Woodley should be favored. Paul won the first fight fair and square, and we've seen nothing to suggest the rematch will play out differently.

Of course, Woodley could always put Paul on the canvas with a big bomb. This isn't to say he can't win. But based on Woodley's performance against Paul and in his final UFC fights, it's more likely he'll fight with a lack of volume and pressure.

Plus, Paul is the one who's had a full training camp. There's no reason not to favor "The Problem Child" in the rematch.

Is Fury still next in the Paul sweepstakes?

If Paul beats Woodley again, Paul-Fury seems like the logical next step. And there are many reasons to return to the fight that was initially booked for Dec. 18.

If the prefight press conference means anything, Paul despises the entire Fury family - Tommy, heavyweight champion Tyson, and their father John. Plus, the feeling seems to be mutual. That's a lot of heat not to capitalize on for a promoter.

Additionally, Fury is the perfect opponent for Paul at this stage in his career. Fury is 7-0 as a professional boxer with four finishes. He has actual boxing experience, unlike anyone else Paul has fought. This is the gradual progression Paul needs.

So, yes, if Paul gets past Woodley, expect Showtime to try to reschedule the Fury fight. But if Woodley pulls off the upset, a trilogy bout with Paul could be in store.