CONOR McGREGOR has backed old UFC rival Nate Diaz in his boxing match against “DONKEY” Jake Paul.
Diaz crosses over to the ring for the first time on August 5 in Texas against YouTuber-turned prizefighter Paul.
It came after he walked out on the UFC, where he had two classic bouts with McGregor.
And it seems there is no hard feelings for the Irishman, who is tipping Diaz to beat Paul.
He told Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel: “I fancy him for it.
“He’s a donkey that guy, the other cat, but a donkey has kick, so you’ve got to be weary of that.
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“But, Nate will be peppering him, he’ll hit his face in and it will be Nate.”
Paul, 26, suffered his first ever defeat in February, losing a split-decision to celebrity boxing rival Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia.
But he snubbed a rematch to instead focus on Diaz, 38, who was a free agent after his UFC contract expired.
It leaves a trilogy decider with McGregor, 34, up in the air but the former two-weight champion still has admiration Diaz and brother Nick, 39.
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He said: “Yeah, yeah, [the relationship] is competitive, but it’s always been respect.
“It’s always been respect, how could you not respect the Diaz brothers and their resume in the fight game.
“Real fighters, what’s his promotion? Real fighters inc, fair play to him. You know, he’s a great fighter.
“I spent, how many minutes did I spend in the octagon with him? 40 minutes, over half an hour.
“Around 40 minutes inside the cage with the lad, it’s always going to be respect off of that.
“And he gave the rematch instantly. That’s commendable, that’s real warrior stuff. So, for sure, I’m happy to see that respect, you know.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
