Jake Paul has confirmed his proposed rematch with Tommy Fury will happen "for sure" as he prepares for his bout with UFC icon Nate Diaz.
Paul suffered the first defeat of his professional boxing career in February, when Fury defeated him on points in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The pay-per-view fight was a close one, with Love Island favourite Fury edging out the YouTuber via a split decision.
Fury is the only recognised boxer Paul has fought during his seven-bout professional career. The American will be desperate to avenge that narrow defeat, but he will need to get the better of Diaz before he can have another go at Tyson Fury's younger brother.
Paul is the favourite for his upcoming bout, which takes place in Dallas, Texas on August 5. Although Diaz has previously beaten the likes of Conor McGregor in UFC, he has never boxed professionally. At 38, Diaz is also 12 years older than Paul.
Despite this, Paul isn't taking anything for granted. He gave an update on his pre-fight progress during an interview with Sky Sports ahead of Sunday's Miami Grand Prix. Paul said: "It's good, it's good. I'm ready man, I'm excited.
"I'm filled with vengeance and just excited to come back and perform... I've seen a couple of the drivers today and it's just cool to be in this environment. It's my first time at an F1 event so it's really really cool. This sport is so technical and there's so much that goes into it. Just seeing the cars and talking to the teams, it reminds me of boxing in many ways."
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Paul's first fight against Fury was years in the making. After months of smack talk and speculation, the two emerging stars agreed to a fight in December 2021. Yet Fury pulled out of that bout due to injury, with UFC favourite Tyron Woodley stepping into replace him.
The fight was rescheduled for August 2022, but it was cancelled again after due to travel issues. Paul used both cancellations to his advantage by ridiculing Fury, putting huge pressure on the Brit when the fight eventually took place in February.
Fury's inability to knock out Paul has led to speculation of a rematch. Paul told Sky Sports: "It's gonna happen, it's gonna happen for sure.
"I think it was a great fight, it was entertaining and it was the biggest pay per view buy of the last two years, so I think we have to run it back. Tommy is down and I'm excited for that."
Paul will take confidence from the first fight into the rematch, if a deal can be agreed. The American floored Fury during the eighth and final round of their first meeting.
Fury wants to fight Paul again but is concerned his long-term rival isn't up for it. The Brit told Soccer AM in March: "I'm down for a rematch. I will fight him tomorrow. Does he want it? I'm not so sure. The next fight I will take will be bigger than Jake Paul."
