MMA fighter Chris Avila expressed respect for his opponent Jeremy Stephens as they prepare for an eight-round welterweight boxing match on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz fight card.
Chris Avila will face Jeremy Stephens in an eight-round welterweight boxing match this coming Saturday. The bout is slated to be an undercard match for the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz fight. Avila, who transitioned from UFC and Bellator to boxing, has built a 3-0 record in the influencer boxing scene. However, he acknowledges that the upcoming fight against the former UFC veteran may be the toughest of his career. This sentiment was expressed during his discussion with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
Avila confidently stated, “I’d say so. 100 percent,” when asked if Stephens was going to be a demanding match. He noted that his previous opponents were no match for him, propelling him to intensify his game. “I’ve been running through these guys right now and it’s time to step it up and show everybody how good of a boxer I actually am. I know I’m going to get the job done, I’ve just got to go out there and get it done.”, said Avila.
The Stocton native, who began as a Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter, spent seven years in MMA and put together an 8-9 record. However, he has recently decided to focus solely on boxing, citing his recent victories as a major factor in his decision. Furthermore, he believes that a bout with Stephens presents the right challenge, which is a step up from his previous influencer match-ups. When asked about a possible return to MMA, Avila responded, “Right now [I’m fully focused on boxing]. I’m ready. I’ve always been consistent in fighting, I haven’t stopped, and all I’m coming with is more experience. I’m more mature. Right now, I’m barely getting started. I’m at my peak right now, so it’s going to be hard for someone to come and stop me right now. I think Jeremy Stephens is a good opportunity, a good guy to fight right now”.
Although Stephens had a long career in MMA, with a 17-18 career stretching from 2007, he left UFC in 2021 and joined PFL for a year before transitioning into boxing. Despite his respect for Stephens, Avila confidently asserts, “I’m going to go out there and do what I’ve got to do”. He further asserts his boxing skills are superior and that Stephens should not underestimate him. Following his own fight, Avila plans to support his friend and teammate Nate Diaz in the main event against Jake Paul. The Paul vs. Diaz fight will be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas this Saturday.