The DAZN Boxing Show discussed Jake Paul’s next move in the boxing ring, a fight with MMA legend Nate Diaz Jr.
The pair will step into the squared circle in a pay-per-view event shown live on DAZN on August 5, marking Diaz’s first fight since becoming a free agent once his UFC deal ended, and Paul’s return following his first professional defeat to Tommy Fury.
Akin 'Ak' Reyes applauded the choice of opponent, explaining: “I think it’s smart, it’s genius for Jake to do this. He just got beat by Tommy Fury, a boxer with limited experience, maybe even limited skills, only had eight fights.
“So, who else in the boxing world could you have stepped up if it’s not a rematch with Tommy Fury? Who else could you have fought? To make our interest say, ‘Maybe he could beat this guy,’
“You go back to the boxing world, you’ve beaten a few MMA greats already, to be exact. Somebody who you’ve got a little rivalry with, who is an icon in the sport: 17 years career professionally. It just makes sense. Now you can say he beat those other guys like Anderson Silva, who’s a skillful boxer. Now let’s see if he can beat this guy who’s been training with Andre Ward.”
Barak Bess agreed, adding: “It says a lot about Jake. After a loss against Tommy, it didn’t deter him from the sport. He doubled back, even a bigger fight in my opinion against Nate Diaz. Nate is still a threat, the dude has been in combat sports for so long. He got hands, guys like Andre Ward say you’ve got to respect him. Jake is showing he believes in himself after Tommy Fury.
“I would say Jake has been great for boxing, and Most Valuable Promotions are making great choices for him.
“This is a must win situation for Jake. You’ve already lost to a guy with limited skills in the boxing world. If you lose to an MMA guy, where do you go from there?”