JAKE PAUL and Nate Diaz’s teams were involved in a 20-man backstage brawl in Arizona, it was claimed.
Paul would later go on to beat Silva on points and was unaware that Diaz and his camp had a scuffle with his entourage.
According to Ariel Helwani, there was a coming together backstage at the Desert Diamond Arena.
Helwani tweeted: “To follow up on what Jake said in there, when I was in the back I saw the Diaz team and the Paul team get into it.
“Big scuffle. Pushes. Got physical and drinks were thrown. Over 20 people involved.
“Almost got ugly but they broke it up and then the Diaz team weren’t seen again.”
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Paul, 25, clarified in the post-fight press conference that he was unaware of the melee until after his fight.
But following an eight-round decision victory over Silva, 47, he called to settle the score with Diaz, 37.
He said: “This is just the start. I want Nate Diaz. Canelo, you too.
“You guys said, ‘You can’t beat a striker, you can’t beat a legend like Anderson Silva.’ I just did it. So why can’t I beat Canelo?”
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Paul secured the most legitimate win of his 6-0 boxing career against his idol-turned rival.
He said: “It’s a surreal moment. Hard work pays off.
“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Anderson. He was my idol growing up. He inspired me to be great.
“He was the first celebrity I ever met. Without him, we wouldn’t have had a fight this year. He’s a tough mofo. A legend.
“I have nothing but respect for him. This just goes to show that anyone watching at home, chase your dreams. It’s never too late.
“I started boxing two-and-a-half years ago as a pro and just beat one of the greatest ever because I’m obsessed with this.
“I go so hard every single day. Nothing can get in my way. No distractions.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
