Jake Paul’s first professional defeat to Tommy Fury in February isn’t stopping him from focusing on the larger plan at hand.
Ahead of his fight Saturday night against Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center, Paul proclaimed that he wants to position himself for a pending world title run.
“My realistic ambition is becoming a world champion. That hasn’t changed. I’ve only gained more conviction around it,” Paul said in an interview with BoxingScene.com.
“With how I’m progressing and the work that I am putting in, the experience I am getting under my belt going 10 rounds now, slowly making my way deeper and deeper into the sport and getting more experience. I have all of the tools. The punching power, strength, cardio, speed. So really it’s about the thousands of repetitions I need to become a world champion. I’m already sparring world champions in the gym, and that’s why I know I can do it.
“I’ve only been doing this for three and a half years. I’m 26 years old. In three years, when I am in my athletic prime, I fully believe in my ability to win a world championship.”
After beating the likes of faded UFC stars Tyron Woodley twice, Anderson Silva, and Ben Askren, Paul met his match with Fury. The British boxer outlanded Paul 88 to 49 throughout eight rounds, but Paul was able to showcase his power by scoring a knockdown.
“It’s weird. [The loss] has made my brand even bigger,” said Paul. “I think my vulnerability … people saw a human side of me that they maybe hadn’t seen before. I think there was this relatable thing that actually connected me more with my audience … Maybe they’ve gained some respect for me.”
The Paul-Diaz fight will stream stateside on DAZN, ESPN+ and PPV.com and can be purchased for $59.99. The event is also available internationally via FITE.
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.