Marc Raimondi, ESPN Staff WriterJun 20, 2023, 01:41 PM ET
The Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz boxing match Aug. 5 in Dallas will now be contested over 10 rounds, after initially being booked for eight.
The two fighters agreed to the change last week after Diaz proposed it, and on Tuesday, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approved 10 rounds for the bout, per Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. The bout has already been changed to 10 rounds on BoxRec, the official record and schedule database for boxing.
Paul has never fought in a 10-round fight and will be the first social media crossover star in the sport to compete in that length of a bout. Diaz, a longtime UFC star, will be making his boxing pro debut.
"If I'm going to get knocked out, it's going to be right off the gate or the next three f---ing rounds," Diaz told ESPN last month, referencing the debate over rounds. "But if not, then it's like you're in big trouble and I'm already willing to get knocked out. Are you willing to get tired and get your f---ing ass whipped and knocked the f--- out?"
Paul (6-1), the YouTuber-turned-prizefighter, is coming off his first career boxing loss to Tommy Fury back in February. The 26-year-old owns wins over MMA fighters like former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (twice) and former longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
Diaz, 38, has been a sparring partner for the likes of Andre Ward and Regis Prograis, but this will be his first time stepping into the boxing ring in an official bout. He brings a massive following from his 15-year career, which included a rear-naked choke victory over Conor McGregor in 2016.
I'm a seasoned sports enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies within the world of combat sports, particularly boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). My knowledge is not only theoretical but is rooted in a keen interest and active engagement in the field. I've closely followed the careers of various fighters, staying abreast of the latest developments, rule changes, and significant events. This has equipped me with a nuanced perspective, allowing me to analyze and interpret news and updates with a depth of understanding that goes beyond surface-level information.
Now, diving into the provided article about the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz boxing match scheduled for August 5 in Dallas, several key concepts and developments stand out:
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Fight Round Change to 10 Rounds: The original booking for the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz match was for eight rounds, but a notable modification has been approved to extend it to 10 rounds. This decision was a mutual agreement between the two fighters, with Nate Diaz proposing the change. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) subsequently approved the alteration. This adjustment signifies a departure from Paul's previous fights, as he has not previously competed in a 10-round bout.
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Official Approval and Record Update: Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, confirmed the approval of the 10-round format by the TDLR. Furthermore, BoxRec, recognized as the official record and schedule database for boxing, has already updated the bout details to reflect the change in rounds.
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Fighter Backgrounds: Jake Paul, a prominent YouTuber-turned-prizefighter with a record of 6-1, is coming off his first boxing loss to Tommy Fury in February. Noteworthy victories include those against MMA fighters Tyron Woodley (twice) and Anderson Silva. On the other side, Nate Diaz, a veteran in the UFC, is making his professional boxing debut at the age of 38. Diaz has been a sparring partner for notable boxers like Andre Ward and Regis Prograis. His extensive 15-year career in MMA includes a significant victory over Conor McGregor in 2016.
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Fighter Statements: Diaz expressed his stance on the round debate, emphasizing his readiness to either get knocked out early in the fight or persist through the subsequent rounds, challenging his opponent's stamina and will to endure.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz boxing match, touching upon the regulatory approval, the fighters' backgrounds, and their statements leading up to the anticipated bout.
