According to Youtuber turned boxer Jake Paul, his team was advising him to return to the ring against a fellow social media star like KSI.
KSI, who holds a decision win over Jake’s older brother Logan Paul, is also pursuing a career in boxing.
However, Paul ultimately decided to face a well-known MMA veteran, as on Wednesday he officially announced his next fight would come against Nate Diaz.
The contest takes place on August 5th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) is coming off the first defeat of his boxing run. Back in February, he dropped an eight round split decision to undefeated Tommy Fury, who is the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Paul had the option of exercising an immediate rematch clause. For unknown reasons he decided to go in another direction.
During the course of his career, Paul has defeated several MMA veterans – including Anderson Silva, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
He believes Diaz will get overwhelmed and knocked out in their grudge match.
“My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations. Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built. Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long,” said Paul.
“People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f——- Nate. I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5th, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”