Former 4 division world champion Roy Jones Jr. is worried with the defensive abilities of MMA veteran Nate Diaz.
Diaz will make his skilled boxing debut final tonight in Dallas, when he steps within the ring with Youtube star turned boxer, Jake Paul.
Throughout his UFC profession, Diaz was at all times thought to be a harmful offensive fighter, however he was additionally a fighter who was identified to have defensive flaws and took punishment from a number of of his opponents.
Diaz grew to become a family title with the UFC, and parted methods with the corporate final September after banking a submission win over Tony Ferguson.
Paul is coming off his first profession defeat, after dropping an eight spherical break up determination to mild heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury in February.
Diaz’s important expertise with the game of boxing is being a sparring accomplice with prime degree fighters over time.
Due to the completely different points of the struggle, Diaz is an amazing underdog within the contest.
Jones expects the MMA veteran to do nicely within the early rounds and look good accomplish that, however he isn’t satisfied that Diaz’s protection will maintain up because the struggle performs out.
“Nate’s going to do good,” Jones informed MacLife “Nate’s going to look good early, it’s nearly how lengthy can he final? Can he take Jake’s punches? How a lot stamina does he have? Nate’s fighter, he’s an excellent fighter, excellent striker, so if he has protection, he’s good.
“The one factor I’m nervous about is his protection. Offensively, he’s nice, I do know he can struggle offensively as a result of he’s sparred with a few of the finest. He’s been across the sport as probably the greatest strikers in MMA. So, I do know he can strike. However in boxing with the gloves, can you’re taking it?”
