Chaos unfolded at the press conference of the upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz as security personnel from both camps engaged in a brawl on stage.
The two are set to face off in the ring on Saturday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This marks Paul’s return to the ring after his defeat against Tommy Fury in February. However, wherever Jake Paul goes, commotion often follows, though this time he was not directly involved in the scuffle.
The press conference was charged with tension, particularly when Diaz addressed a member of Paul’s security team, with whom he seemed to have a prior altercation. Diaz pointedly referred to the security personnel, stating, “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.”
Paul seemed to appreciate Diaz’s outspokenness, especially considering Diaz had walked out of previous face-to-face meetings between them. Paul reacted positively, saying, “Let’s go. I like it. Nate’s alive. We woke the beast up. Let’s go Nate. I like it. Talk your s, Nate. Talk your s***.”
But the tension escalated during the staredown, a customary face-off that follows press conferences before significant matches. Diaz exchanged words with Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner.
As the two went their separate ways, the security teams from both sides clashed near the exit. This confrontation turned violent, with pushing, shoving, and even attempts at physical altercation. The situation deteriorated as security guards grappled with each other, and some even ended up on the floor.
During this turmoil, Diaz was led away, while Paul remained off camera. Stage officials worked to restore order.
Eventually, tempers cooled, and both groups left the stage, returning to their respective camps.
Asked about the incident, Diaz seemed nonchalant, stating, “It don’t matter. Whatever happens, happens. It usually can go better or worse. It’s all good.”
For Diaz, such confrontations aren’t new. In 2016, ahead of his fight with Conor McGregor, Diaz and his team engaged in a water bottle-throwing incident that led to a brawl.
In response to the press conference scuffle, Paul took to Twitter to share his perspective. He claimed that Diaz’s team initiated the assault, with the person who threw the first punch ending up in the hospital.
As anticipation builds for the Paul vs Diaz showdown, tensions are running high. The fight is scheduled for Saturday night, promising intense action in the ring.