Stockton’s own Nate Diaz set to fight YouTuber Jake Paul in pro boxing debut
Apr 12, 2023, 11:55 AM
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JUNE 12: Nate Diaz enters the octagon to fight Leon Edwards of Jamaica during their UFC 263 welterweight match at Gila River Arena on June 12, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona.
After months of speculation, former UFC fighter Nate Diaz will be making his pro boxing debut against Jake Paul.
The news broke Wednesday morning that Diaz and Paul had agreed to face off in a boxing bout on August 5th. The eight-round fight will be held in Dallas, Texas at American Airlines Center, the home of the Dallas Mavericks. A pre-sale link for tickets has ben released at this time.
ESPN’s Marc Raimondi was first with the news Wednesday, as the fighters confirmed the rumors thereafter.
AUG 5th | #PaulDiaz
Dallas, TX@RealFightINC @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/Lv7aJXpDj2
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) April 12, 2023
An official trailer for the fight has been released, looking to hype up the moment that’s only four months away.
Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz trailer is here pic.twitter.com/RU2B59qht9
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) April 12, 2023
Diaz, a Stockton native, has been looking into other combat sports ventures since his last UFC fight in September 2022. The brawler emerged victorious in that fight, submitting Tony Ferguson, via guillotine choke, in the fourth round. Since then, Diaz has been waiting for his next big payday, finally getting it against the infamous Jake Paul.
“Besides Canelo [Alvarez] he’s the biggest thing 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***ed up Conor McGregor for acting out and now here I am again, like a superhero,” Diaz told boxing writer Michael Benson.
On the flip side, Paul is coming off his first professional loss in combat sports, losing to Tommy Fury by split decision in February. While this fight is certainly a test for the social media star turned boxer, Paul believes that he can reclaim some pedigree by beating Nate Diaz in a bout.
“This fight has been brewing for a long time,” Paul stated. “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted. 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.”
Jake Paul on fighting Nate Diaz: “This fight has been brewing for a long time.” 😤
(via @jakepaul) pic.twitter.com/QjuCt7mZcY
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunchPromo) April 12, 2023
The August fight will be available on DAZN pay-per-view, with pricing yet to be announced.
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