Following on from his recent first career boxing defeat to Tommy Fury, Jake Paul has recently confirmed that he will be returning to the ring, but this time facing former Mixed Martial Arts star Nate Diaz.
Jake Paul Looks to Rise Against Nate Diaz
With the details for the clash now fully agreed, it has been revealed that it will take place on August 5 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and it will also be streamed live on the DAZN pay per view platform.
As the build up to the fight continues, I can only imagine betting markets will go wild for this and there is very good reasons for both fighters to be awarded very good odds on taking an ultimate victory. There will also be plenty of odds and betting offers available on just how tight a clash it might ultimately prove to be.
Speaking in a press release via his own promotion company, MVP, 26 year old Paul explained.
‘My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations. Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.’
The pre match banter actually began around about 18 months ago when the two began trading insults on social media, so it had been long assumed by many that there would eventually be an official meeting between the two at some point.
Diaz Wants to Conquer the Biggest Thang Since Canelo
37 year old Diaz, currently a Mixed Martial Arts free agent, himself responded.
‘Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thang in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.’
It is certainly an interest match up given the backgrounds of both of them. Cleveland, Ohio born Paul is obviously a very well known YouTuber at core, and there have been a number of controversies that have in turn, more than helped boost his world wide profile along with his ventures into acting and rapping, but he seems very determined and driven to succeed in the world of boxing.
Stockton, California born Diaz has far more years of experience as he has been with the UFC since 2007, and is a widely popular character in the sport given his willingness across his career to take on all comers – and most MMA fans will clearly be aware of the extremely entertaining and competitive clashes he shared with Conor McGregor – where each won one bout apiece.
Following his victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 last September (a guillotine choke), it was the last bout of his contract and whilst that is still to be renewed, clearly his intention is to take the publicity from a clash with Paul and then sort out his new contract with Dana White’s promotion.
Many would think that despite the relative lack of experience, Paul might have the upper hand here given Diaz’s MMA habits, but Paul himself knows that would simply underestimate his future opponent.
‘People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for ******* Nate.’
Ward, is of course, the former undefeated light heavyweight champion, so Diaz will be keenly aware of the limitations of this ring.
Either way, it should be an intriguing battle between the two.
