Jake Paul announces Tommy Fury rematch plan despite booking grudge match with UFC legend Nate Diaz
JAKE PAUL insisted he is still out for revenge in a rematch with Tommy Fury – but first he will settle scores with Nate Diaz.
Paul lost a defeat for the first time in his seven-fight prizefighting career in February, losing a split decision to Fury in Saudi Arabia.
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And the YouTuber-turned-boxer appeared ready to invoke his rematch clause, which guaranteed him a shot at redemption.
But Paul, 26, later opted to shelve the sequel in favor of ex-UFC star Diaz, 37, on August 5 in Texas.
The American has teased the formation of a new team at his Puerto Rico training base and warned Fury, 23, their rivalry is not over.
Paul said in a YouTube video: “I’ve been in the gym since the day I came back from Saudi.
“I literally got off the plane, came home and went for a four-mile jog.
“I’ve been training every single day, six days a week, full of revenge to come back and take what’s mine because I know I can beat Tommy.
“It was the worst version of me there is. It just wasn’t my night, he was the better man, he had an amazing performance and congratulations to Tommy for that.
“But I want to come back and take what’s mine from this kid. I hope he enjoys it. Tommy, I hope you enjoy this win.
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“You know, you’ve earned it. Respect. Enjoy it for as long as possible, because the taste of victory won’t stay on your tongue for long.”
Diaz left the UFC last year after beating 39-year-old Tony Ferguson in his farewell fight and has been linked with Paul ever since.
Their opposing teams even clashed in a backstage brawl in October when Paul defeated UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in which Diaz was attending.
The bad blood has been brewing ever since and will come to a head in Dallas over eight rounds with a catch weight of 185 pounds.
Paul said in a statement: “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my boxing career aspirations.
“Now the world thinks I’m vulnerable, even though everything I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but I’m not built that way.
“Nate Diaz is considered one of the toughest fighters of all time, but he and his team have kept their mouths shut for too long.
“People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to give in. Good for bloody Nate.
“I haven’t forgotten the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5th, a problem kid is going to knock out the Stockton G.”
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