YouTube star Jake Paul returned to winning ways as he secured a unanimous decision against former UFC star Nate Diaz in a cruiserweight boxing fight in Dallas.
The American was back in the ring for the first time since losing to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia and he outclassed Diaz, who was making his boxing debut after a 15-year career in the UFC.
Both fighters had predicted knockout victories, but it was Paul who came out on top in what could be the first of two meetings between the pair this year.
Paul ready for MMA battle after success
Paul's eighth professional fight was a relatively easy one, even though Diaz came into the contest with more experience.
The 26-year-old made a statement ahead of the fight, arriving at the American Airlines Center in Dallas in a battle tank before making an explosive start to the contest.
His chin was tested in the third when Diaz landed a powerful jab, but the former MMA fighter was sent to the canvas in the fifth thanks to a whipping left hook from Paul.
Diaz didn't looked hurt and recovered quickly and he was often showboating during the battle, before eventually succumbing to a points defeat, with the judges scoring the fight 97-92, 98-91 and 98-91 in Paul's favor.
Saturday's contest may not be the last time we see Paul and Diaz compete, although it is likely they will not share a boxing ring again.
Paul outclassed the veteran combat star inside the ring, but did confirm after the fight that he wants a rematch in an MMA contest.
In his post-fight interview, Paul told DAZN: "All credit to my team, and I want to run it back in MMA. $10million PFL, that's the offer. Let's run it back in MMA to make it fair. I won one; now it's your chance in home territory of MMA.
"He's real tough; that's what he's known for, but tough in this sport doesn't work. I knocked him down and won basically every round, I had him hurt in the first round and he kept on coming."
Paul shuts down McGregor rumors
After tasting defeat for the first time in February, "The Problem Child" responded well and looked to have improved further against Diaz, who is known for his awkward style.
Saturday's success was Paul's third against a former UFC champion after previous wins over Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
Recent media reports have suggested he could soon face Ireland's Conor McGregor, but that was quickly shut down by Paul, whose sole focus appears to be an immediate rematch with Diaz.
A fight with MMA rules certainly gives Diaz a better chance of victory, but at 38 he is past his best physically.
The former UFC star has vowed to stop Paul via submission and the pair will hope to put on another show for fans.
Fury rematch still a possibility
Prizefighting has had its critics, but it is here to stay and Paul's success at the weekend proves he can draw in a crowd and drum up interest.
The outspoken American may be turning his attention to MMA next, but there could be every reason for that.
Paul wants to stay active and keep fit, while a rematch with Diaz is lucrative business. A second fight with Tommy Fury certainly appeals, but the Manchester fighter has already agreed to take on KSI.
A clash between KSI and Paul would be the biggest event in crossover boxing so far and both men would no doubt take that contest should the former beat Fury.
Paul is now in a lucrative position, as he can try his hand at MMA before returning to boxing to take on the winner of KSI and Fury in 2024.
While his ability will always be questioned, Paul has now made himself a household name in the combat sports world and the next 18 months could be huge for the American, as he tries to make a name for himself in both boxing and MMA.
