Promoter Eddie Hearn has often been at odds with Youtube star turned boxer, Jake Paul, but he still expects him to win the upcoming fight with MMA veteran Nate Diaz.

Paul and Diaz will collide on August 5 at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas.

Earlier this year, Paul suffered the first defeat of his career when he dropped an eight round decision to undefeated light heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury, who is the younger brother of Tommy Fury.

“With Nate, no one knows. He could get completely smashed to pieces in a round, or he could be a great fighter. I hear he used to spar with Andre Ward and stuff like this," Hearn told the Matchroom Youtube channel.

“If you’re asking me, Jake Paul beats him comfortably. I really like Nate Diaz and I hope he wins – mainly so he doesn’t put me to sleep on the concrete! But I think he gets stopped.”

Diaz has a 15 year run with the UFC - which came to an end last year when his contract expired in the aftermath of a big win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279.

He does has boxing experience from the standpoint of sparring with several top pros and former world champions in the California gyms.

But, Paul certainly has the edge in pro experience and also has the size advantage., 

Diaz primarily fought in the UFC at 155 and 170-pounds. The contest with Paul takes place at 185.

Because of his inexperience, it could have been a dangerous move for Diaz to take interim-bout to prepare for Paul.

Hearn believes Diaz made the right move, from a business point of view, in going directly to a clash with Paul.

“The danger with a warmup fight or an interim fight is people can find out how bad you actually are or, if you got talent, people can find out how good you are, but it’s a risky game because you are rolling the dice for small money and you may lose the opportunity at a big fight. What I like that Nate [Diaz] has done, is no one knows. He could get completely smashed to pieces in a round or he could be a great fighter," Hearn said.