Jake Paul returns to the ring on Saturday night following his first loss as a professional boxer against Tommy Fury in February.
His opponent this time is Nate Diaz, who will make his professional boxing debut after posting a 21-13 record in 15 years as an MMA fighter. The 10-round bout at the American Airlines Center in Dallas will be contested at 185 pounds.
Paul, the Disney star turned social media influencer, won his first six professional fights. Two of them came against former MMA champions, and he’s a heavy favorite to make Diaz No. 3. Paul is being offered at -425 by DraftKings and -300 by BetMGM.
Diaz’s most recent fight was a win by submission against Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 last September. The 38-year-old then departed UFC to pursue other opportunities. He’s a +310 longshot at DraftKings and +250 at BetMGM.
“Everywhere I go people are talking about Jake Paul beating people’s asses,” Diaz said. “He knocked out ex-UFC champions. He’s in a heavier weight class. He’s a big guy who everyone thinks is going to beat me.
“So that’s who you want to fight.”
Paul, 26, said the loss to Fury re-invigorated him, and he has been going through fight camp in Puerto Rico. While Paul has the size and strength advantage, Diaz is known for his incredible cardio and the fight could swing in his favor the longer it goes.
The betting action has been starkly different at the two books.
The most popular fight outcome at DraftKings has been Jake Paul to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification at -150. Meanwhile, at BetMGM, Diaz has been backed by 78 percent of the total bets to win the fight, with the most popular prop being a Diaz win by KO, TKO, technical decision or DQ.
The money wagered on the fight outcome has been nearly split at DraftKings, with Diaz drawing 51 percent of the action, Paul 46 percent and a potential draw the remaining 3 percent.
–Field Level Media