Former four division world champion Roy Jones Jr. is concerned with the defensive skills of MMA veteran Nate Diaz.
Diaz will make his professional boxing debut last tonight in Dallas, when he steps in the ring with Youtube star turned boxer, Jake Paul.
During his UFC career, Diaz was always regarded as a dangerous offensive fighter, but he was also a fighter who was known to have defensive flaws and took punishment from several of his opponents.
Diaz became a household name with the UFC, and parted ways with the company last September after banking a submission win over Tony Ferguson.
Paul is coming off his first career defeat, after dropping an eight round split decision to light heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury in February.
Diaz’s main experience with the sport of boxing is being a sparring partner with top level fighters over the years.
Because of the different aspects of the fight, Diaz is a tremendous underdog in the contest.
Jones expects the MMA veteran to do well in the early rounds and look good do so, but he’s not convinced that Diaz’s defense will hold up as the fight plays out.
“Nate’s going to do good,” Jones told MacLife “Nate’s going to look good early, it’s just about how long can he last? Can he take Jake’s punches? How much stamina does he have? Nate’s a good fighter, he’s a very good fighter, very good striker, so if he has defense, he’s good.
“The only thing I’m worried about is his defense. Offensively, he’s great, I know he can fight offensively because he’s sparred with some of the best. He’s been around the game as one of the best strikers in MMA. So, I know he can strike. But in boxing with the gloves, can you take it?”