Jake Paul has declared he will be the “first person ever” to knock Nate Diaz out as the pair face off in a highly-anticipated fight that is sure to deliver fireworks on Sunday [AEST].
At least, that is if the pre-fight press conference is anything to go by while the verbal sprays each delivered at the official weigh-in also set the scene for Sunday’s grudge fight.
Paul will be looking to bounce back after his defeat to Tommy Fury, one which the YouTube-sensation-turned-boxer said has “reset” him on the “proper path” towards a world title.
Of course, Paul is nowhere near contending for a world title at this point in his career, with Fury representing the only ‘real’ boxer he has fought since first stepping in the ring against YouTuber AnEsonGib back in 2020.
Paul took on former NBA player Nate Robinson and a host of MMA fighters before his loss to Fury and now on Sunday faces Diaz, a UFC legend making his professional boxing debut.
Speaking to foxsports.com.au ahead of Sunday’s fight, Paul responded to comments from UFC fighter Bobby Green claiming he would not get past one round with Diaz.
Paul & Diaz heats up at weigh-in! | 00:35
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know ahead of Paul vs Diaz
“Bobby is right. Nate is tough,” Paul said.
“How much damage can he take? His cardio is insane, he’s going to keep on coming forward. I just think the difference between me and the other MMA fighters is simply the power and the sharp boxing technique.
“So when we get in there, he’s been able to take punches from certain guys, but I don’t believe he’s going to be able to take punches from me and that alone is going to be the biggest difference.”
That is part of the reason why Paul is predicting he will become the first person to knock out Diaz, who has a 22-13 professional MMA record with five wins coming by way of knockout.
“I believe I punch harder and have proper punching technique that allows the punches to come off in a certain way,” added Paul.
“That’s the difference between boxing and MMA. MMA has arm punches, they’re not turning their hips with all their shots. That’s going to be the difference and that’s going to be the reason that I’m going to be the first person to ever knock out Nate Diaz.”
Nate Diaz explodes at media troll | 01:14
Diaz, meanwhile, said he too is hoping for an early finish in Sunday’s fight but won’t be reckless in his pursuit of a knockout.
“I’d rather the fight be three rounds, so the quicker the better,” Diaz said.
“I’m not depending on the knockout, but whatever happens happens. I’m going in there to finish a fight as soon as possible.”
For what it’s worth, Drake has put $250,000 on Diaz to beat Paul, writing: “Jake is a dog, but I can never bet against a Diaz brother.”
Drake though hasn’t always had the best luck betting on high-stakes fights in the past. In fact, Drake placed a $400,000 USD bet on Paul to win by knockout against Fury earlier this year.
“F**k. This is Drake’s fault,” Paul said sarcastically after being told about the bet in the post-fight press conference.
“Drake, bro, why did you do this to me?”
HOW TO WATCH JAKE PAUL VS NATE DIAZ + WHAT TIME DOES IT START?
You can watch the highly-anticipated fight between Paul and Diaz LIVE on Main Event on Kayo Sports on Sunday, August 6.
The first fight of the card is set to get underway at 10am (AEST) with Paul and Diaz making their ring walks at around 1pm. You can order the full fight card here!
Paul reveals the key to Nate Diaz KO | 01:15
FULL CARD
Main card (PPV from 10am AEST)
185lbs.: 10 Rounds: Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
126lbs.: 10 Rounds: Amanda Serrano (44-2-1) vs. Heather Hardy (24-2) for undisputed featherweight title
168lbs.: 8 Rounds: Chris Avila (3-1) vs. Jeremy Stephens (0-0-1)
135lbs.: 8 Rounds: Ashton Sylve Ashton Sylve (9-0) vs. William Silva (30-4)
168lbs.: 10 Rounds: Shadasia Green (12-0) vs. Olivia Curry (7-1)
Preliminary Card
147lbs.: 8 Rounds: Alan Sanchez (22-5-1) vs. Angel Beltran (17-1)
165lbs.: 8 Rounds: Kevin Newman II (14-3-1) vs. Quilisto Madera (14-3)
154lbs.: 4 Rounds: José Aguayo (0-1) vs. Noel Cavazos (2-1)
