Jake Paul is set to face Nate Diaz in an eight-round boxing match at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with both fighters wearing 10-ounce gloves and DAZN serving as the broadcast partner for the event.
Jake Paul is set to face Nate Diaz in an eight-round boxing match at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on August 5. The fight will take place at 185 pounds with both fighters wearing 10-ounce gloves. DAZN will serve as the event’s broadcast partner. The announcement was made by Diaz’s Real Fight Inc. and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, who are partnering together for the event.
This will be Diaz’s first appearance since becoming a free agent after his time with the UFC. The Stockton, California native had been exploring potential fights before settling on a boxing showdown with Paul. The two have been embroiled in a bitter verbal feud for the past couple of years, which will finally be settled in the ring. In a press release, Diaz stated, “Besides ‘Canelo’ [Alvarez] 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. I f***** up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”
Long considered one of the best boxers in MMA, Diaz will now put on the gloves to face Paul in August. This matchup also marks Paul’s return following his first professional boxing setback, a split decision loss to Tommy Fury in February. Although an immediate rematch with Fury seemed likely, Paul has chosen to face Diaz instead. Paul expressed his determination, saying, “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. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built. Nate Diaz is considered one of the most badass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long. 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 f******* Nate. I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on Aug. 5. a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.” More fights will be added to the Paul vs. Diaz card in the coming weeks.