Jake Paul says people don’t think he’s a ‘real person’ ahead of Tommy Fury fight
Jake Paul will take on Nate Diaz in a highly-anticipated boxing match in Dallas this evening, as the mixed martial arts star fights for the first time since leaving the UFC.
YouTuber Paul has compiled a 6-1 record as a professional boxer in recent years, knocking out MMA fighters Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley – the latter a former UFC champion – and beating UFC legend Anderson Silva on points. Most recently, however, the 26-year-old suffered his first loss as he was beaten by Tommy Fury.
In that long-awaited fight in Saudi Arabia, Fury – half-brother of world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson – was knocked down but emerged victorious on points. Now Paul is looking to bounce back as he faces fellow American Diaz.
Diaz, 38, is a longtime favourite of MMA fans but achieved crossover fame when he submitted Conor McGregor in March 2016, five months before losing a narrow decision to the Irishman. Last September, Diaz won his final UFC fight by submitting Tony Ferguson, before his attention turned to his boxing debut against Paul.
Follow live updates and results below.
Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz LIVE
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Pre-match thoughts from Jake Paul
“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,” said Jake Paul ahead of this clash against Nate Diaz.
“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.”
Mike Jones5 August 2023 23:30
How Jake Paul’s last fight turned out
Tommy Fury beats Jake Paul in long-awaited fight in Saudi Arabia
Tommy Fury edged Jake Paul via split decision in a narrow victory in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night.
Both fighters had a point docked during the eight-round boxing match at the Diriyah Arena, and Fury was dropped to a knee in the final round, but the Briton did just enough to win the long-awaited fight.
The bout had fallen through twice before – once in December 2021 and again last August – but finally played out on Sunday, with both fighters having promised a knockout in the build-up. Neither YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul nor Fury – half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson – could find the finish, however, as the main-event contest went the distance.
Mike Jones5 August 2023 23:24
Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz odds
The bookmakers are giving Jake Paul a big edge despite having less fighting experience than Nate Diaz.
Paul made his boxing debut in 2018, while Diaz was already a world title contender at that point. Diaz has never boxed professionally however and may find it a totally different prospect tonight/
Here are the latest odds:
Mike Jones5 August 2023 23:18
Full fight card (subject to change)
Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz (cruiserweight)
Amanda Serrano (C) vs Heather Hardy 2 (undisputed women’s featherweight titles)
Shadasia Green vs Olivia Curry (women’s super-middleweight)
Ashton Sylve vs William Silva (lightweight)
Alan Sanchez vs Angel Beltran Villa (welterweight)
Kevin Newman II vs Quilisto Madera (middleweight)
Chris Avila vs Jeremy Stephens (super-middleweight)
Noel Cavazos vs Jose Aguayo (welterweight)
Luciano Ramos vs Cee Jay Hamilton (super-lightweight)
Mike Jones5 August 2023 23:12
How can I watch Paul vs Diaz?
The event will air live on the streaming platform Dazn.
It will be available to existing subscribers, and it will also be purchasable on Dazn Pay-Per-View for non-subscribers – at a cost of £14.99. A Dazn subscription is available to purchase here, with monthly plans starting at £9.99.
In the US, the fight will also be available to watch on ESPN+.
Mike Jones5 August 2023 23:06
When is the fight?
Paul vs Diaz will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday 5 August.
The main card is due to begin at 1am BST on Sunday 6 August (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at around 4am BST on Sunday (8pm PT, 10pm CT, 11pm ET on Saturday).
Mike Jones5 August 2023 23:00
Good evening
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz.
The Problem Child gets back in the ring this evening following his first professional loss to Tommy Fury earlier this year. Fury won the fight on a split decision and talks of a rematch where quickly silenced when Paul signed on to fight former UFC star Nate Diaz.
Diaz rose to fame in 2016 by submitting Conor McGregor in the octogon but never won a UFC title. He left the sport in September last year and is now looking to inflict a second boxing defeat on Jake Paul tonight.
The fight takes place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas and will be a late one for UK fans with the main card starting around 1am and the main event ring walks expected close to 4am.
We’ll have all the updates and action from the undercard fights as well as build up to the main event so stick around to see who emerges triumphant.
Mike Jones5 August 2023 20:19