30 January 2024 , 16:57
763
0
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will fight for free against Ryan Bourland as he is donating his entire purse to charity.
The social media star returns to the ring on March 2 in Puerto Rico against unknown professional boxer Ryan Bourland, who has a record of 17-2 with six knockouts. Paul brutally knocked out Andre August in the first round last month and also won a decision against UFC legend Nate Diaz in August after losing to Tommy Fury earlier in the year.
“It’s a new year, it’s an even better me, and I’m facing an even more experienced, seasoned boxer as co-main to the Puerto Rican GOAT, Amanda Serrano. I’m fighting for experience, not for the money, and to show my love for this beautiful island I’ll be donating my entire fight purse from this event to my nonprofit Boxing Bullies to help renovate gyms across Puerto Rico," Paul said.
What are your thoughts on Jake Paul's next opponent? Let us know in the comments section below
Paul's win against August marked his first fight away from pay-per-view in almost four years and his clash with Bourland will also be his first time not fighting in a main event since his professional debut. The event is headlined by Paul's business partner Serrano as he puts her undisputed featherweight world titles on the line against Nina Meinke.
Jake Paul calls on John Fury to make retirement bet for fight with son Tommy
“I’ve always said my goal is to become a world champion. I beat a pro boxer in December in the first round, someone who’s been boxing their entire life, and what did I do next? I went straight back to camp to get ready to face my next opponent, a professional boxer who has twice as many professional fights under his belt than I do," Paul added.
Bourland is an ex-Golden Gloves champion and junior Olympics boxer who hung up his gloves in 2018. The 35-year-old returned for a one-off fight against Santario Martin in 2022 and won by knockout. Paul looks to extend his unbeaten run to three fights with a win against Bourland, who is also unbeaten in his last three fights.
"Jake Paul steps into the ring with his social media clout, but let's not mistake followers for experience or skill,” Bourland said. “While he's been busy chasing likes, I've been honing my craft for years, stepping into the ring and beating real boxers. I will shock the world and put an end to Jake Paul's boxing career."