Jake Paul (7-1) recently faced off against former UFC title challenger Nate Diaz (0-1) in a thrilling ten-round boxing match. The event took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
In the press conference after the match, Paul shed light on his decision not to aggressively pursue Diaz after landing a powerful left hook in the fifth round that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas.
Jake Paul’s return to the ring was highly anticipated, especially after suffering his first professional defeat to Tommy Fury earlier in the year. Prior to that setback, Paul had an impressive record of 6-0 in boxing. He had secured knockout victories over former MMA champions Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
On the other side of the ring stood Nate Diaz. Diaz had last competed eleven months ago at UFC 279, where he secured a submission victory over former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.
In the lead-up to the match, Jake Paul boldly predicted a knockout victory over Nate Diaz in Round 5. His prophecy nearly came true when he delivered a clean left hook that staggered Diaz and brought him to the canvas.
Despite the opportunity to go for the kill and end the match, Paul chose a more strategic approach.
Paul said during the press conference: “My motor was running hot, and I was punching him hard and hard and hard, and he just 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.”
Paul elaborated on his decision, saying: “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.”
While reflecting on the matchup, Jake Paul acknowledged Nate Diaz’s extraordinary toughness and unwavering spirit. He said: “I don’t know how he survived the first round, but he’s a dog and I walked the dog. For sure (he felt 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.’”