JAKE PAUL insisted he is still out for revenge in a rematch with Tommy Fury – but will first settle the score with Nate Diaz.
Paul fell to defeat for the first time in his seven-bout prizefighting career in February, losing a split-decision to Fury in Saudi Arabia.
And the YouTuber-turned boxer looked set to invoke his rematch clause guaranteeing him a shot at redemption.
But Paul, 26, later chose to shelve the sequel in favour of facing ex-UFC star Diaz, 37, on August 5 in Texas.
The American has teased forming a new team in his Puerto Rico training base and warned Fury, 23, their rivalry is not yet over.
Paul said in a YouTube video: “I have been in the gym since the day I got back from Saudi.
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“I literally got off the flight, came home, and went on a four-mile jog.
“I’ve been working out every single day, six days a week, filled with vengeance to come back and take what’s mine because I know I can beat Tommy.
“That was the worst version of me possible. It just wasn’t my night, he was the better man, he had an amazing performance, and congrats to Tommy for that.
“But I wanna come back and take what’s mine from that kid. I hope he enjoys it. Tommy, I hope you’re enjoying this victory.
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“You know, you earned it. Respect. Enjoy it for as long as possible because you’re not going to have the taste of victory on your tongue for a while.”
Diaz walked out on the UFC last year after beating Tony Ferguson, 39, in his farewell fight and has been linked with Paul ever since.
Their opposing teams even clashed in a backstage brawl in October the night Paul beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, which Diaz attended.
The bad blood has been brewing ever since and will come to a head in Dallas over eight round at a catchweight of 185lb.
Paul said in a statement: “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.
“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.
“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.
“People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f***ing Nate.
“I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5th, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
