“My motor was running hot and I was punching him hard and hard and hard, and he wasn’t going down. He was standing there. So I didn’t want to burn out and let him catch a win and come back with something. So I was being patient, being smart, and was looking for the kill. But at the end of the day, he withstood a bunch of big, big, big punches. "I don’t know how he survived the first round, but he’s a dog and I walked the dog. For sure [he could feel my power], I could see it the whole fight. In the first round, I seen his eyes light up and he was like, ‘OK, they talk about this kid’s power, but when you feel it, it’s different.”According to Paul, Diaz could certainly feel his power throughout the Paul vs Diaz fight, especially in the first round when his punches seemed to surprise the MMA veteran. Diaz's trademark antics and trash-talking were also on full display during the match, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the encounter. The two fighters engaged in verbal exchanges throughout the Paul vs Diaz bout, creating an electric atmosphere inside the ring. Paul recalled how they communicated with each other during the fight, with Diaz delivering words that were not fit for repetition. Despite the heated exchanges, Paul found the experience enjoyable and mentioned that it was one of his most memorable fights yet.
“We were talking to each other the whole fight. He was saying words that I can’t repeat, but I was like, ‘Where’s all that talk now? Gotcha! Shut up!’ It was fun. “When you’re in there with another dog, you can sense it and it just makes the sport more fun. This fight was probably the most memorable yet.”The Paul vs Diaz clash showcased the passion and intensity that both fighters brought to the ring. For Paul, the victory over an MMA veteran like Diaz served as a significant accomplishment in his burgeoning boxing career. The fight provided thrilling moments and a glimpse of the potential for future matchups that could further elevate the sport's popularity.
“The greatest fighters fight everybody.”When asked about his prediction for the Usyk vs Dubois fight, Tyson stated that he would stick with the champion, Usyk, as he hasn't seen Dubois fight before. Many others also favor Usyk in this bout, believing that Dubois only has a "puncher's chance" against the experienced champion.
“I never saw Dubois fight. I’m going to stick with the champion. [Usyk]”Despite being just 25 years old, Dubois is considered a seasoned fighter in the heavyweight division compared to Tyson's early achievements when he won his first world title at the age of 20 after 27 professional fights. Usyk, who is now 36 years old, is hoping for a victory in this Usyk vs Dubois fight. There are hopes that if he wins, negotiations can take place for a potential showdown between Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury, aiming to create the first undisputed heavyweight fight in over two decades. However, Fury has his own challenge ahead in the form of a bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou, and it's worth noting that Tyson has been appointed as one of Ngannou's trainers for the match in Riyadh, scheduled for October. The potential outcome of the Usyk vs Dubois fight carries significant implications for the future of the heavyweight division. Should Usyk emerge victorious, the hope is that negotiations can be initiated for a historic showdown between Usyk and the reigning WBC champion, Tyson Fury. The boxing world eagerly anticipates the possibility of an undisputed heavyweight title fight, which would mark the first time in over two decades that one fighter would hold all four major belts in the division. However, Tyson Fury faces his own tough challenge before such a bout can become a reality. He is set to take on MMA superstar Francis Ngannou, and interestingly, Tyson himself has been officially appointed as one of Ngannou's trainers for this highly-anticipated crossover match scheduled in Riyadh for October. This unique collaboration has added an intriguing subplot to the heavyweight landscape and garnered significant attention from both boxing and MMA enthusiasts.
“Eddie Hearn, Joshua, I believe I can be the replacement you're looking for – again! Let's go another round. Let's complete the trilogy. Let’s make this happen.”The backdrop to Ruiz's challenge lies in the past encounters between the two boxers. In the summer of 2019, Ruiz Jr gave Joshua the first defeat of his career. This match was met with widespread astonishment as the Mexican boxer not only bested Joshua on points but also claimed the world title belts, bringing them back to North America in a stunning upset. Yet Joshua was not to be deterred by this setback. In a highly-anticipated rematch, Joshua showcased his resilience and determination. He turned in a focused performance and successfully regained all of his belts, proving to all his critics that he was still a formidable force in the boxing world. These belts, however, would later be lost to Oleksandr Usyk. In the aftermath of these bouts, Ruiz Jr, who was noticeably heavier during the first two fights, has undergone a significant physical transformation. He has shed a considerable amount of weight and presents a leaner figure now. With this physical overhaul, Ruiz Jr is now eagerly setting his sights on a potential trilogy match against the British boxer. This proposed bout has added a new layer of intrigue and anticipation to the unfolding drama in the boxing world.
"All credit to my team and I want to run it back in MMA, $10million PFL," that’s the offer. Let’s run it back in MMA to make it fair. I won one, now it's your chance in home territory of MMA. He’s real tough, that’s what he’s known for but tough in this sport doesn’t work. I knocked him and won basically every round, I had him hurt in the first round and he kept on coming.Diaz responded to Paul's proposal with readiness, expressing disappointment in his own performance but demonstrating his willingness to fight anyone. He joked about his MMA moves during the boxing match, mentioning a guillotine choke in the ninth round, and suggesting he "won that battle."
"Let's do it," Diaz replied to Paul's offer. "We're going to have to co-promote with Real Fight Inc. He's big and he's tough, I wish I could have done better things but some s***, it didn't go the way I wanted it to. I should have trained better and done better things but it’s all good. He won this one but i'll fight anyone, I don't give a f***. "I wasn't trying to but I had the single leg [takedown] in the first round and the choke in the ninth, so I won that battle. He’s tough and he’s big, I think he’s doing a great job.” "I'm glad I had a worthy opponent, someone who has done something out of fighting and also made a big name for themselves inside of fighting too. That's what I like, I can go out there against somebody who everyone thinks is going to whip my a** when I beg to differ. So we can definitely come and get that back."Diaz appreciated having a formidable opponent in Paul, recognizing his accomplishments both in and out of the fighting world. He expressed interest in facing someone who is generally expected to defeat him, stating he "begs to differ." With the prospect of Paul vs Diaz MMA rematch, Diaz is eager to redeem himself.
"I think (Nate) needs a little more work, but let's get straight to the point. I'm considerably superior to both of these guys that are out there. I'd be intrigued by the idea of taking on whoever they've got for me. If they want a Round 2 and he doesn't want to, I'll step up. He's not the only one with an older brother. Remember the original."Nick Diaz, aged 40, has been absent from combat sports since a September 2021 defeat to Robbie Lawler. This bout, which Diaz lost via a third-round TKO, marked his first since 2015. Post-fight, Diaz suggested more matches were in his future, but the UFC and its president Dana White remained noncommittal about his path forward. Currently, it appears that Diaz is considering various possibilities.
"I'd like to get a clear understanding of the current scenario because I'm not entirely sure what's happening. However, I'd like to keep my options open... I'd be interested in exploring something in the near future. We could discuss that. It could be either of the Paul brothers, or perhaps something different. I've got a lot on my plate right now, but we can figure it out. "That's why I generally steer clear of the fight game, because when I'm in, I'm all in. It's never half-hearted for me. My presence here today, I feel, gives me an opportunity to slightly open the window. If that's the case, I just want to make it clear. I'm as motivated as ever. I work harder and am better than anyone else in this field at this point in time."Jake Paul, 26, Won on Saturday with a unanimous decision against Nate Diaz in Paul vs Diaz bout, following a split decision loss to Tommy Fury in February. Logan Paul is gearing up for his first professional boxing match since 2019, slated to face an opponent yet to be announced on October 14 in Manchester, England.
"That Jake Paul performance was terrible”alongside an emoji symbolizing both laughter and tears. In the same tweet, he promoted his forthcoming October 14 faceoff against Tommy Fury, billing it as a
"real fight and challenge."Paul vs Diaz match began with an explosive start. Paul, the social media influencer turned boxer, landed several powerful hits against Diaz in the opening round, leaving Diaz reeling on the ropes in his boxing debut. Despite this early onslaught, Diaz managed to rally and show marked improvement as the rounds progressed. By the fourth round of the Paul vs Diaz, Diaz seemed to finally gain some ground, with Paul showing signs of fatigue for the first time in the fight. But this upward trend was short-lived. In the fifth round, Paul struck Diaz with a clean left hook, scoring a knockdown and nearly sending Diaz out of the ring. Though Paul rushed in to finish the job, Diaz hung on. The latter half of the fight saw both men showing signs of fatigue, but Paul's boxing experience gave him the upper hand, helping him secure most of the rounds. Despite the scrappy nature of the action, the match lasted the full ten rounds, with Paul unable to deliver a knockout blow. Paul was declared the winner by unanimous decision, though Diaz claimed a moral victory. Many observers, including KSI, remained unimpressed by Paul’s performance. KSI's criticism of Paul and his upcoming fight with Fury add another layer of intrigue to the drama. Fury previously beat Paul in a split decision in February, with Paul hinting at a potential rematch. Furthermore, a potential showdown between KSI and Paul would be a high-stakes, high-revenue event, serving as a pinnacle in the ongoing spectacle of 'influencer boxing.' This anticipated matchup continues to generate buzz, regardless of the outcome of KSI's imminent match with Fury.
"In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow."Dillian Whyte's camp has been taken aback by the news, and the fighter himself is likely to face scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The setback could have serious consequences for Whyte's career and reputation, potentially resulting in a lengthy suspension or even the termination of his boxing license. On the other hand, Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, finds himself in a difficult position. With his much-anticipated rematch against Whyte now off the table, Joshua's team may consider seeking a replacement opponent for the scheduled date. However, there are no confirmations yet on whether Joshua will pursue an alternative fight or simply wait for the proposed Deontay Wilder showdown, rumored to take place in January in Saudi Arabia. The cancellation of the Joshua vs Whyte rematch also casts a shadow on the undercard match between Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean, which was set to take place on the same night. Fans who were eagerly anticipating the action-packed event are left disappointed, with the possibility of Hrgovic and McKean's match being postponed or rescheduled. Anti-doping measures play a crucial role in professional sports, particularly in boxing, where the physical toll on fighters can be immense. The detection of adverse findings emphasizes the importance of such testing to ensure a level playing field and protect the health and safety of the athletes involved. The boxing community is now closely watching how the investigation will unfold and what consequences will be imposed on Dillian Whyte. For Matchroom and other boxing organizations, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent anti-doping protocols to maintain the sport's credibility and integrity. As the situation continues to evolve, fans of the sport will have to wait for further updates from the authorities and promoters to know how the heavyweight division will shape up in the aftermath of this unexpected turn of events. For now, the excitement surrounding the Joshua vs Whyte rematch has been replaced by uncertainty and disappointment, leaving a cloud of controversy hanging over the world of boxing.
"I know it's going to be very challenging for me," Ngannou told Sky Sports News. "I don't think I will be frustrated because I'm not going there just expecting to hit him easily. I know it's going to be tough, it might even be tougher for me than for him, which is the case because he has a lot of experience "I'm prepared for that, my mind is ready for that. I have that information, even in my training camp, I'm preparing for someone who is tough, not easy to hit, very well-rounded as a boxer, very durable. "It's about a delivery system. You can have a biggest weapon but you also need to aim at the right target and to hit. We are shaping that skill to be able to deliver on the proper direction so we can get the result."Despite the vast difference in boxing experience between the two fighters, Ngannou remains undaunted by Fury's unbeaten record of 34 professional fights. He respects his opponent but refuses to be intimidated, drawing on his own experience of facing high-level opponents in the octagon. Since parting ways with the UFC and signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and their Super Fights Division in 2023, Ngannou has had ample time to prepare for this significant showdown. As the Fury vs Ngannou fight approaches, fans eagerly await the clash between these two formidable heavyweight fighters, each bringing their unique skills and strengths to the ring. Ngannou's determination to challenge Fury in the boxing arena has set the stage for an exciting and highly anticipated encounter.
"I respect him, as I respect every opponent, which I should. But being intimidated by him, no I'm not intimidated by him and I'm not intimidated by anybody. "I've been there so many times with so many people, maybe in the octagon, but it's the same thing. "When you have somebody in front of you, octagon or ring, it's just about fighting and focusing on your opponent. "I think I have a lot of experience of that myself, of being with a high level of fighter in front of me."
'I know it's going to be very challenging for me,' Ngannou told Sky Sports News. 'I don't think I will be frustrated because I'm not going there just expecting to hit him easily. I know it's going to be tough, it might even be tougher for me than for him, which is the case because he has a lot of experience. 'I'm prepared for that, my mind is ready for that. I have that information, even in my training camp, I'm preparing for someone who is tough, not easy to hit, very well-rounded as a boxer, very durable. 'It's about a delivery system. You can have a biggest weapon but you also need to aim at the right target and to hit. 'We are shaping that skill to be able to deliver on the proper direction so we can get the result.'
“Shout out to everybody for the love and support. I appreciate everybody coming out. Much love. And no matter how the fight goes, don’t forget, this motherf***** can’t really fight. Motherf*****. F*** you.”In response, Paul kept it straightforward. He began by mocking the crowd that was heavily booing him, but then shifted his focus to Diaz, delivering a stern final warning.
“Boo yourselves, virgins. Boo yourselves, virgins. They’ve been saying ‘Nate’s tough, Nate’s a dog.’ Well guess what, Ariel? Tomorrow, I’m dog-walking that b****! I’m putting him back on a leash and I’m sending him back to the cage! I’m f****** him up! I’m f****** him up!”
“When I knock out Nate Diaz and do what Conor couldn’t, it only makes sense for him to want that money fight. I don’t know how serious he’s taking fighting at all, and I don’t know how serious the fight world is taking him.”Regarding the potential bout with McGregor, Jake Paul said, I always said I'd fight him. I'm down. It's a big, massive event. However, he acknowledged that McGregor would need to seek approval from his UFC boss, Dana White, to make the fight happen. In contrast, Paul sees himself as his own boss and can decide his opponents without such restrictions.
“Who knows if he still has that same appeal. But look, I always said I’d fight him. I’m down. It’s a big, massive event. He obviously has to ask his boss Dana, if he can do that. I’m my own boss. I make my own decisions. I could fight whoever, whenever, wherever. So he’s tied up and even if he wants to do it, Dana might not let him do it.”While not ruling out the possibility of fighting McGregor, Jake Paul emphasized that he's currently focused on his upcoming Paul vs Diaz match. He mentioned that there are plenty of other significant names in the sport to fight, so he will continue seeking challenging opponents after the Paul vs Diaz fight.
“I think Nate was always the plan since he was getting out of the UFC. Right now, I’m just focusing on this fight, and we’ll see what happens moving on from here. There’s still a lot of big names, a lot of big fights to be made. And again, I’m just going to continue challenging myself and continuing to fight big names in the sport.”As for whether a fight between Jake Paul and Conor McGregor would be appealing, it's a matter of personal preference for fans. Some may be excited about the spectacle and potential entertainment value, while others may view it with skepticism given McGregor's established career in MMA and Paul's relatively short boxing background. Regarding UFC President Dana White allowing the fight, it's uncertain, as he ultimately controls the UFC fighters' matchups. He might have reservations about his star fighter facing a YouTuber-turned-boxer, especially if there's a risk of McGregor losing and potentially damaging his reputation. As for tomorrow's fight between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz, fight fans and boxing enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to watch. The match promises to be an exciting showdown, and there will likely be significant interest in seeing if Jake Paul can deliver on his goal of knocking out Diaz in the ring.
“You know who the bully is? That bouncer right there who I smacked with a beer the last time he thought he was tight. I f****** smacked that b**** in the face. “That’s who the bully is. F*** him, f*** you, and f*** MVP.”Seeing Nate, Jake Paul tried to make Nate talk his shit:
“Let’s go. I like it,” he said. “Nate’s alive. We woke the beast up. Let’s go Nate. I like it. Talk your s, Nate. Talk your s***." Further Nate said when asked about the outcome of the fight: “It don’t matter. Whatever happens, happens. It usually can go better or worse. It’s all good.”As the Paul vs Diaz press conference continued, tempers flared, and members of both teams engaged in a heated argument. While it's unclear who initiated the physical altercation, Jake Paul later revealed on the X app that Nate Diaz's team threatened him with legal action, claiming they were assaulted. According to Paul, the person who started the altercation ended up in the hospital receiving stitches.
"Nate's team has emailed my team trying to claim assault after his team swung first. Apparently the guy who swung first is at the hospital getting stitches. Hilarious these fake gangsters acting like this!" "All out warfare, eye for eye. You threatened MVPs co-founder [Bidarian] who has been a partner to you and your team every step of the way? "He’s put your best friend on over and over again. Stupid. Then your team wants to swing on us…so you got served a three piece and a biscuit. Punk. It’s time for goodnight."Although Nate Diaz has yet to publicly comment on the incident at the press conference of Paul vs Diaz, the press conference remained filled with taunts from Jake Paul, and at one point, Nate Diaz lost his temper. The emotions surrounding this bout are likely to be intense when the two fighters step into the ring to face each other. For Jake Paul, the stakes are high, as a loss could put his boxing career on the line. On the other hand, Nate Diaz seems to be enjoying his venture into boxing outside of mixed martial arts. In an interview after the final press conference of Paul vs Diaz, Nate expressed his intention to continue fighting in various sports for many years to come.
"I think my fighting from over the years promotes my fights," Diaz told ESPN. "I'm not gonna get in a little-kid argument with the guy and act like [it's] any realer than it is. Don't get no realer than this anyway. "If we're going to argue, we're gonna fight."Both Diaz and Paul had unconventional paths to this point in their careers. Diaz was one of the biggest MMA stars of his generation, known for doing things on his own terms. Paul, on the other hand, disrupted boxing with his major events outside the traditional promotion formula. Their distinct approaches and the genuine animosity between them led to this pivotal moment in their careers. Initially, Diaz and Paul had various options for potential fights, including matchups with Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul for Diaz, and Mayweather, KSI, and a Tommy Fury rematch for Paul. However, fate brought them together due to their shared heated history and the potential for a high-stakes matchup. This 10-round Paul vs Diaz boxing match on August 5 in Dallas would be a landmark event in the genre of crossover boxing that Jake Paul had pioneered. The outcome of this bout could significantly impact the future of both fighters' careers and the trend of influencers in combat sports. Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, even speculated that this could be Paul's final boxing match, with the possibility of retirement if he were to lose to Nate Diaz.
"We had originally worked together for my first professional fight but he was super busy after that. When I lost, I went back to the drawing board and re-evaluated everyone in my team. I wanted to bring back some of the people I had originally worked with, it's been an amazing camp, he's been in this camp the whole entire time and has been very helpful."
“I don’t feel any different than yesterday to be honest. I’ve got a lot of people hitting me up but at the same time, the way I feel is no different than yesterday. “The fight is never easy, no matter how it looks to the general public. The fight is won in the gym, that’s where the hard part goes on. This fight was extremely hard, and I went through a lot of pain and suffering to get to that point.”During the debate, the topic of 'who's next' naturally came up, with conjecture about future rematches and new opponents. Crawford's contract requires him to fulfil certain commitments, including agreeing to a rematch if it is in his best interests. In reaction to this, he said:
“That’s my obligation in the contract and I have to honor that. I want to thank Errol Spence, because without him really wanting to fight and doing what he can do, along with me to get this fight done, we wouldn’t be fighting. “I would definitely choose Charlo. It’s a meaningful fight; there’s more history, more on the table.”Additionally, he put a kneel to the rumors of his potential fight with Canelo:
“Canelo is two, three, even four weight classes above me, depending on which fight you’re talking about. So, to be honest, Canelo doesn’t really interest me because of the size factor. “Canelo fighting at his weight doesn’t present the right kind of challenge I’m seeking. I’ve been asked this question many times before, and I’ve always had the same answer. I’m firm on my stance. “I stated and said that I will retire from boxing before I let boxing retire me. I feel as if I haven’t been fully appreciated in the sport of boxing in my career for some time, and I felt like once I retired, that’s where I would get my props. “That was a dope feeling. Shout out to Eminem for coming out and supporting me and showing me so much love. I never knew he was a big Terence Crawford fan.”The most interesting part of the discussion, though, was when Crawford explained his life outside of the ring. Specifically, the role of father. When asked about his dedication to his children, he stated:
“No matter what I’m doing in life, I make sure that I’m there for my children.”
“I guess it’s a good thing because now the fight can be made at some point, which it will. I don’t know when, but it will happen at some point in the UK, which is important. There was a lot of talks of it happening in the Middle East and that was something I didn’t really want to do because it’s such a huge fight out here.”Nonetheless, Eubank Jr remains firm in his opinion about Benn's situation. He asserts that regardless of legal proceedings and statements, Benn's claims of being absolved are not convincing. Eubank Jr is convinced that Benn was caught twice for a reason and believes the public will not forget it. Despite the controversy surrounding Benn, Eubank Jr is open to a future fight with him as he considers boxing to be a business. Currently, Eubank Jr is focused on preparing for a rematch with Liam Smith, whom he defeated earlier this year after their initial fight got canceled due to the Benn situation.
“Lawyers and court hearings and essays and Eddie Hearn saying all the things he’s saying – it doesn’t mean anything. The fact is you got caught twice and no-one’s ever gonna forget it. It doesn’t mean that you didn’t do what you did, cause you did do it.” You want to say ‘I’m absolved and it was all a big misunderstanding’, nah that’s bulls**t. Boxing’s a business and I still wanna fight him, so the fight will be made at some point.”Ultimately, the marketability of a potential future fight between Eubank Jr and Benn will depend on the outcome of Eubank Jr's upcoming match against Smith, scheduled for September 2.