Chris Avila beat Jeremy Stephens in a boxing match on the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz undercard, despite Stephens being a respected MMA fighter, highlighting Avila’s superior boxing skills and understanding of the sport.
In the undercard event of Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz, Chris Avila emerged victorious against Jeremy Stephens. Given the context of MMA, Avila was anticipated to lose against the octagon veteran. However, the competition was set in the boxing ring, providing Avila with an upper hand.
Regarding the aftermath, Avila commented, “He is a hard puncher, but I didn’t feel anything, and I’m just levels above him.” He made this statement at the post-fight press conference, following his unanimous decision win over Stephens. Avila revealed he presumed that the fight was heading in that direction so he focused on what he does best – boxing. While he trains as an MMA fighter, he is foremost a boxer who religiously practices each discipline separately.
Notwithstanding his impressive MMA record (29-20), Stephens utilized the same forceful punches he resorts to in the UFC. Even though Avila took several hits, he was never on the verge of being defeated. Unlike his MMA contemporary, he showcased a deeper knowledge regarding the positioning, timing, and angles in professional boxing. During the course of the fight, he consistently got the better of Stephens whose boxing exposure has been confined to a draw with former UFC featherweight champion, Jose Aldo.
Avila is enjoying a revival as a professional boxer after an 8-9 stint as a professional MMA fighter in UFC and Bellator. He emerged victorious against Stephens, succeeding another conquest in the Misfits Boxing event in April. Despite this, he stated, “I’m not into that kind of stuff,” referring to influencer boxing. He believes the amateurs in the show aren’t worth the fight, urging them to up their game.
The packed event last Saturday saw Avila trounce a distinguished MMA fighter, who otherwise might have dominated him in the cage. Despite his companion and friend, Nate Diaz, falling short against the digit-born boxer Jake Paul, Diaz was hailed by the crowd. Avila commented on the event’s response, “It was motivating. It was cool to see a bunch of people there, and it made me feel good to go out there and show off. I had a good time.”