Influencer-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, will take on the North Dakota-based fighter, Ryan Bourland next. In a lengthy social media post, Paul described the reason behind picking the fighter as his next opponent.
In early December, immediately following his victory over Andre August, Paul disclosed his plan to co-headline an event in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 2nd. Amanda Serrano is set to feature in the main event, facing German fighter Nina Meinke for a title defense. Initially keeping his opponent under wraps, Paul revealed “The Rhino” Bourland just over a month before the anticipated weekend. His announcement, however, went beyond the opponent’s reveal, as he also elaborated on a charitable initiative associated with his upcoming fight.
Jake Paul to take on ‘The Rhino’
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A few hours ago on his X, introducing Bourland as his next foe, the 27-year-old stated that this fight will be his stepping stone toward getting a title clash. He wrote, “The goal is simple, build the skillset to become world champion. Next up is a guy who has twice as many professional fights under his belt than I do. Ryan “The Rhino” Bourland. And just like the animal in his bone chilling nickname… he is also endangered.”
Bourland, 17-2, has defeated the likes of Jose Hernandez and Santario Martin in his last couple of fights. However, since his Martin fight in 2022, he’s been out of the ring, revealing a major gap in his record. While the news of Paul’s next opponent might have raised some eyebrows, another bit of his announcement is sure to win some hearts.
In his December announcement, he had announced that the San Juan fight was an ode to unified featherweight champ, Serrano and her Puerto Rican roots, and the culture of the land. Now, taking his devotion a step ahead, he announced that the money he’d earn from his next fight would all go toward his charity, ‘Boxing Bullies’, an initiative to renovate boxing gyms in Puerto Rico. “On Saturday, March 2 as co-main to the Puerto Rican GOAT, Amanda Serrano, I’m fighting for experience, and to show my love to the island I call home I’ll be donating my entire fight purse to my nonprofit Boxing Bullies to help renovate gyms across,” Jake Paul revealed in the post.
The goal is simple, build the skillset to become world champion. Next up is a guy who has twice as many professional fights under his belt than I do. Ryan “The Rhino” Bourland. And just like the animal in his bone chilling nickname… he is also endangered😂😅
On Saturday, March… pic.twitter.com/wmng8vK9Wu
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 30, 2024
For Paul, the resident of Dorado, Puerto Rico, this fight might be a safe bet in his trajectory to become a world champion one day. But, for his opponent, it is an entirely different ball game. It’s his comeback against a coveted and highly known fighter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ryan Bourland sees through Problem Child’s clout
In a statement, the California-born fighter remained clear that Paul’s giant clout would not help the influencer-boxer escape his skills. He noted, “Jake Paul steps into the ring with his social media clout, but let’s not mistake followers for experience or skill. While he’s been busy chasing likes, I’ve been honing my craft for years, stepping into the ring and beating real boxers. On Saturday, March 2 I will shock the world and put an end to Jake Paul’s boxing career,” he stated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Bourland will serve as Paul’s third professional boxing opponent in his nine-bout career. In February of last year, he faced Tommy Fury, resulting in his first career loss. The December bout against Andre August marked his second encounter with a professional fighter. Will this third bout be instrumental in propelling him towards championship belts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Watch This Story: Most Bizarre Things Jake Paul Has Done on Camera: Stealing Floyd Mayweather’s Hat, Sneaking Into the White House, and More