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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Most Valuable Promotions founder Jake Paul speaks during the Weigh-In leading up to the World Lightweight Title fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2022 in New York, New York. The bout will be the first women’s combat sports fight to headline Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Most Valuable Promotions founder Jake Paul speaks during the Weigh-In leading up to the World Lightweight Title fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2022 in New York, New York. The bout will be the first women’s combat sports fight to headline Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
YouTube sensation Jake Paul, is gearing up for his highly anticipated boxing match against former UFC veteran Nate Diaz. Scheduled for August 5 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, this 10-round bout has been the subject of much speculation. However, a recent video posted by Paul on social media has sparked controversy and led fans to question his level of seriousness leading up to the fight.
Initially scheduled for 8 rounds s, the bout underwent a change in round duration. After discussions between the fighters, it was confirmed that the match had been approved for 10 rounds. Moreover, in a surprising display of confidence, the 26-year-old posted a video on his social media account showcasing his training routine for the upcoming fight. The video depicts Paul hitting a speed bag in the gym while casually smoking a cigarette.
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With a hint of irony, he captioned the post: “Getting my lungs ready for 10 rounds. August 5th. #PaulDiaz.” While intended as a humorous gesture, the video has triggered mixed reactions from fans. Moreover, the fans wasted no time expressing their opinions on Paul’s video, with many questioning the seriousness of his preparations while other fans deemed it as a lighthearted joke.
Fans divided: Jake Paul smoking ahead of Nate Diaz fight sparks debate
A user named Johan Claude joked that ‘The Problem Child’ was getting ready for Chemotherapy, rather than for his bout. “Getting his lungs ready for 10 rounds of chemo” he wrote.
Another user named Yoshi suspected that the cigarette could be AI-generated or have cannabis instead of tobacco. “Don’t forget he’s a Master content creator, could be weed or even AI” he wrote.
However, one user felt that this was obviously meant as a satire. “It’s so obvious it’s a joke” he wrote.
Hollywood actor Michael Rapaport questioned if Paul’s fight was not selling enough tickets for him to pull these antics.”Ticket Sales Low?” he wrote.
Read More: Adding Fuel to Their Ongoing Beef, Carl Froch Promises to Stop “The Hype Around Jake Paul”
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A user named Feisal Ibrahim was not happy that the YouTuber whose audience majorly consists of children would promote smoking on his social media. “Smoking Content while half of his fans are under age kids that’s no good” he wrote.

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Jake Paul fights Tyron Woddley during a rematch of an eight-round cruiserweight bout. The Amalie Arena on December 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
This recent viral video featuring Paul smoking a cigarette while training has elicited a wide range of reactions. Moreover, the reactions highlight the passionate nature of the combat sports community, with differing opinions on what constitutes appropriate behavior and preparation for a high-stakes fight. Whether the viral video will have any tangible effect on the fight itself or on the perception of the Ohio native as a professional athlete remains uncertain. However, one thing is certain: both fighters will step into the ring with a desire to prove themselves and secure victory.
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What did you think about Paul smoking while training for his bout with Diaz? Let us know in the comments.
Watch This Story: Jake Paul’s Violent Knockouts: Ben Askren, Gib, and Others
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