YouTuber and professional boxer has started to make a name for himself in the world of professional fighting. At first, his boxing career was considered something of a joke by industry experts. His first fights came against YouTubers and retired athletes making their boxing debut. Even UFC great Anderson Silva came with an asterisk. Namely because a) Silva was 48 when he fought Paul and b) had just five boxing matches to his name. But then Paul earned a split decision loss against Tommy Fury, an actual boxer. Maybe Paul could find success after all.
Well, "maybe" is the operative word there. Paul's next fight is an August bout with former UFC fighter Nate Diaz, who is making his professional boxing debut. What makes this fight different, however, is that while Diaz may not be tied top a promotion right now, he is not a retired fighter like many of Paul's other opponents. The thing is, Paul is already looking past Diaz and planning who he might take on next.
Jake Paul Wants To Fight Conor McGregor
Jake Paul has wanted to fight UFC legend Conor McGregor for a long time. As early as the second fight of his career, a win over retired NBA player Nate Robinson, Paul said he wanted to build up to face McGregor. He reiterated that during a conversation with ESPN at a presser for his fight with Diaz. "I see a road map where I knock out Nate and then go to Conor McGregor," Paul said. "To do what Conor couldn't do -- knock out Nate -- and then that'll be the biggest fight in combat sports that could possibly be made."
However, this lofty goal comes with a few caveats. Firstly, Paul will need to beat Diaz. That's easier said than done as while Diaz is not a boxer, he is a tenacious and proud fighter. Without a win over Diaz, there's little pedigree to attract McGregor. Secondly, McGregor still has two fights left on his current UFC contract. Those would likely have to be completed before McGregor was cleared for a fight with Paul. Thirdly, there's the pecking order. Diaz has a better claim to a fight with McGregor given the mutual decision for a rubber match between the two in the Octagon. Furthermore, McGregor will reportedly fight UFC fan-favorite Michael Chandler in the second half of 2023. However, any fight cards will be found here on HotNewHipHop.
[via]