Nate Diaz vs Jake Paul Prediction Boxing Picks

Jake Paul and Nate Diaz fight Saturday in a boxing match at the American Airlines Center. Paul enters this fight with a 6-1 record that includes 4 knockouts. Diaz makes his boxing debut, but he has a 22-13 record in MMA that included 5 knockouts and 13 submissions.

Jake Paul Betting Preview

Paul will fight for the second time this year, and he is coming off a February loss to Tommy Fury. Paul lost a tight split decision, and it’s the third time in his last 4 bouts that went the distance after starting his career with 3 knockouts. Paul is now 26 years old, stands at 6’1” with a 76-inch reach and an orthodox stance. A popular Youtuber and Internet personality, it’s clear at this point Paul takes boxing seriously and has been impressive through 7 fights overall. Paul’s technique could still use a little work, and you can question his overall competition, but his power and punching accuracy can’t be overlooked. Paul has a decent jab and powerful right hand that can drop a lot of seasoned boxers if landed clean. Paul still has a ways to go before he can be taken seriously in terms of big name full time boxers, but given the short sample size and the fact he’s still a bit green to the sport, you have to respect his ability and success. This will be Paul’s first career fight in Texas.

Nate Diaz Betting Preview

Diaz is making his boxing debut at 38 years old. His last fight overall was at UFC 279 (last September) where he submitted Tony Ferguson in the fourth round that earned performance of the night. Under the UFC banner, Diaz averaged 4.57 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy percentage of 45 percent. Diaz is probably his best on the ground, but he obviously can strike, as he showed back in 2013 against Gray Maynard, where he landed combination after combination and earned knockout of the night at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale. Diaz also has a IDGAF attitude in general that makes him scary to face. He’s a fighters’ fighter who doesn’t back down from a brawl whether that’s in the cage, ring, or street. And while he bleeds a ton these days after eating a shot, Diaz has a chin that will keep him standing, and he’s only been knocked out twice despite 13 career MMA losses. This will be Diaz’s first career fight in Texas.

H2H History 

There’s no fight history between these 2 fighters.

Randy’s Pick

I almost want to say screw it and grab Diaz at this price, but the reality is it’s probably not going to happen. Diaz has no experience as a pure boxer, and he hasn’t looked good in the few videos we’ve seen. Diaz is a 38-year-old who is simply cashing out on a nice payday before he eventually rides off into the sunset. Paul is the bigger fighter, is getting more and more comfortable in the ring, and that right hand is sure to land at some point given Diaz’s sometimes open stance. You also have to question just how much Diaz cares about the result, as he’s clearly just here for the money. Diaz’s chin will make him hard to finish, but this should be a Paul victory. I’ll take the YouTuber in a decision to shave the price down.