Jorge Masvidal’s trainer, Paulino Hernandez, says his fighter will beat Nate Diaz in their boxing fight on June 1.
The two men have faced each other on one occasion at UFC 244 in 2019. Masvidal won the clash after the New York State Athletic Commission stopped the fight at the end of round three. Diaz’s cut over his eye meant it was no longer safe to continue. The victory made Masvidal the first person to win the BMF Belt.
But it was an anti-climax to a fight that promised much. Diaz has the advantage in this fight, having been in a boxing ring recently. He faced Jake Paul on his debut last August. While he suffered a unanimous decision loss, Diaz showed some heart, getting on the canvas to make it to the final bell. Masvidal makes has been in the ring once, beating Joseph Benjamin in 2005. Hernandez backed his fighter to come out on top.
Masvidal vs Diaz
“Jorge has already fought in boxing before, so he’s got some prior experience. He fought once in boxing and won. I think Jorge has Nate Diaz’s number. They know each other, and he knows what he brings. They’re fighting in boxing, which is different since there are no elbows, knees, or kicks. It’s just hands, but Jorge is great with his hands. He’s well-prepared, and we’re confident that we’re going to win,” Hernandez said
A victory for either fighter takes them closer to facing Jake Paul. The Problem Child offered Diaz a rematch in MMA under the PFL. A $10 million offer had been made, but Diaz’s team did not take the terms. Paul responded by stating Diaz was ducking him. Since Diaz is not with the UFC, there were questions over whether Nate wanted more money. Paul also made the same offer to Masvidal, becoming frustrated at the lack of desire from both men to take the fight.
Paul’s Reacts
“The one thing I will say, they’re digging their own grave. I’m being so serious when I say that I want to fight them in MMA. Either Masvidal or Diaz in the PFL. Ten million dollar offer for either one of those guys. Again, they will literally hide behind the fact — Masvidal, ‘You can’t even box. What the…[hell] are you going to do coming over to MMA, bro?,” Paul revealed
Paul’s main aim is Mike Tyson as he prepares to face the former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion on July 20. There are still mixed reports over whether it will go ahead as an exhibition or an official bout. Tyson revealed it was an ‘exhibition,’ later clarifying that it was a fight. Paul reacted by stating that work was being done behind the scenes to make it a professional fight. If Paul desires Diaz or Masvidal next, he must come out on top against Tyson. Iron Mike will be 58 by the time they fight. A loss severely damages Paul’s brand and his attempts to become a boxing world champion.
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