29 February 2024 , 18:25
536
0
Jake Paul stole Ryan Bourland's hat whilst the rivals faced off for the first time before their fight on Saturday night.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is back in action for the first time since knocking out Andre August in December when he faces Bourland in Puerto Rico. The social media sensation has moved away from pay-per-view mega-events against big-name opponents to put himself on the traditional path to his goal of becoming a world champion.
Bourland was targeted by Paul about his nickname 'rhino' in an awkward exchange at their press conference. "Are you vegan, like rhinos? So you don't embody the true rhino spirit," Paul said. "When you said you were going to take me into deep waters, do you realise that rhinos are land animals?"
Paul was up to his old tricks after the press conference wrapped up as he pinched Bourland's hat whilst they faced off. It's not the first time Paul has done this as he infamously stole Floyd Mayweather's hat before his brother Logan fought the boxing legend three years ago, leading to a brawl breaking out that left Paul with a black eye.
"I want to challenge myself and put on tough fights," Paul said of his fight against Bourland. "I need to get experience on my path to becoming world champion. He has experience, my biggest worry is that he feels the power in the first 30 seconds and then runs away. I’m good enough at cutting off the ring and I’m going to be able to stop him regardless."
Jake Paul calls on John Fury to make retirement bet for fight with son Tommy
“Sometimes in these fights, the energy can be built up and you buy into the hype and that can create nerves. Something about being at home just makes it feel like a sparring session, which is better because sometimes you get under the lights and you’re not performing the way you should. I perform the best when I’m relaxed and being at home here in Puerto Rico has been great."
Bourland holds a professional record of 17-2 but has only fought once in the past six years. "I’m a hard-working regular guy that’s been boxing since a kid. Coming up as a fighter you dream of boxing on a big stage like this and I’m here to fight. I feel like he is getting better and better, I’m excited to get in the ring and show the world what I’ve got on Saturday," he said.