Boxing News: Jake Paul Slams Nate Diaz For "Ducking," Challenges Disgruntled UFC Fighters
Despite an Amanda Serrano eye injury forcing a main event cancellation at the last minute, Jake Paul continued his winning form in the co-main attraction, needing less than a round to dispatch Ryan Bourland Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Paul said competing in professional boxing over the last few years has been more than just a career. In his words, the so-called "lifestyle" motivates him to be the best version of himself in each fight.
Addressing assembled media after the night's festivities, Paul is already focused on what's ahead for the remainder of 2024, whether in boxing or MMA.
"I am going to stay as active as possible and it's about finding the right opponent," Paul said.
That next opponent could be one of several options, including a crossover rematch with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, whom Paul has expressed interest in facing once more.
But, there is another name Paul says he would love to give his dues to if they accepted on the dotted line.
CELSIUS/Alex Subers
"Anyone [from the UFC] who can get out of their contract, I’ll fight," Paul, who has advocated for equal fighter pay, said. "That’s easy work as far as I am concerned. I do want to do a PFL-MMA match, just has to be the right opponent but Nate did duck my $15 million offer so we’ll see who else is on the chopping block. Tony Ferguson? He said he wanted to fight? I don’t want to see him go out like that, that would be sad. He’s a great guy, we don’t want that for Tony.”
Regardless of who Paul fights next, returning to compete in Puerto Rico is a priority for the 27-year-old.
"We have to," Paul said. "Amanda is going to want that. I loved fighting here. The crowd was amazing, it gave me goosebumps when they were all chanting “Gallo” and it means the world. They welcomed me and were turnt up for me so we have to come back here and put on another event.”
The event drew a sold-out crowd from Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, kicking off DAZN's extensive boxing coverage schedule.
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