Jake Paul's boxing career is on the line this weekend as he returns to the ring to fight ex-UFC star Nate Diaz in Texas.
A split-decision made the YouTuber-turned-boxer lose his fight to Tommy Fury earlier this year, which was the first loss in his career. .
Now, the 26-year-old's business partner and advisor Nakisa Bidarian has told ESPN that Paul might retire if he loses to Diaz.
"His boxing career is on the line, in terms of being one of the top three or four guys in the entire sport globally," Bidarian said.
Advert
"I think if he was to lose, he'd just go to being another prospect that's coming up in the ring."
Paul turned down a rematch with 24-year-old Fury to take on 38-year-old Diaz.
“Nate has a massive name, he’s a massive pay-per-view draw of the UFC times and to me that’s exciting," he told The Sun about his decision.
“I haven’t yet fought a massive pay-per-view draw in the prime of their career while they’re still hot and active.
“So, to me that’s super exciting and there was that beef that was there and this online banter that was there back and forth that we’ve been trying to and wanting to fight for a long time.
“Then finally the stars aligned.”
Paul actually credits his loss to Fury for making this fight happen.
"After losing to Tommy, I landed myself a bigger name and a bigger fight in terms of the ticket sales, the commercial pay-per-view," he said.
“Everything is pointing towards this being the biggest event ever and I didn’t think that would be possible after losing to Tommy.
“It all just depends and it’s really how you go out. If you’re going to get knocked out but if you lose a split-decision and it’s a war and it’s a good fight, it’s a lot easier to come back from that.”
Whether they win or lose, Saturday will be a lucrative night for both Paul and Diaz.
Both men will make 'well into the eight figures' for the fight and they'll pull in over seven figures just from the event's sponsors.
"August 5th we commemorate the funeral for Nathaniel Diaz as we send him in casket back to Dana," Paul wrote when announcing the fight on Instagram.
"Refreshments will be provided at the service. Black Tie Attire."
Keryn Donnelly