JAKE PAUL has snubbed a rematch with Tommy Fury and instead confirmed a bumper showdown with Nate Diaz.
The Problem Child suffered the first defeat of his career following a split-decision in February to the Love Island star.
The YouTuber declared that he wanted a rematch with the Brit – but now he has announced another huge clash.
He will now be facing UFC icon Diaz in a 185lb catchweight bout at the American Airlines Center on August 5th in Dallas, Texas.
The ‘Stockton Slugger’ was a free agent after his contract with Dana White’s MMA promotion ended and now he is swapping the octagon for the boxing ring.
And Paul cannot wait to get it on with Diaz after years of bad blood and public jabs between them.
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The 26-year-old said: “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.”
Paul, who is 6-1 in the ring, continued: “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.
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“I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
Diaz beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September in the last fight of his deal with the MMA company.
Boxing has been a staple throughout the 37-year-old Diaz’s near two-decade career.
He has 22 fights as an MMA pro, including a victory over Conor McGregor.
Diaz said: “Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thing in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.
“I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”
Meanwhile, Fury has been linked with a fight against One Direction’s Liam Payne after losing out on a money-spinning rematch with Paul.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
