Jake Paul's critics wanted him to fight real boxers. He has now knocked out two of them in a row in the first round.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer stopped Ryan Bourland via technical knockout at 2:37 of the first on Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Paul used a good jab early and strong right hands to the body. That set up a big combination that hurt Bourland against the ropes. Paul then followed him until referee Luis Pabón stopped the fight.
Paul, who lives and trains in Puerto Rico, had the crowd with him. His nickname adopted from him is “El Gallo de Dorado” and he came out dressed as a rooster. The fans chanted “Gallo” during the entrance and the first round.
“I wanted it to be a little longer to give the fans more time,” Paul said in his post-fight interview. “I'm very happy to be in Puerto Rico. You all show crazy love.”
Paul was coming off a first-round knockout of Andre August (a similar but less experienced official opponent to Bourland) in December.
Paul outscored Bourland 24-3.
“I guess we have to try even harder,” Paul said. “I'm ready for the big leagues. I'm getting strong. This is my life now.”
When asked who he wanted to fight next, Paul said he didn't want to mention any names. But he did propose one: Canelo Álvarez.
“Hey, Canelo, stop bending over,” Paul said. “I know you want it. I represent Puerto Rico; you represent Mexico. So, it's Puerto Rico versus Mexico.”
Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) won three in a row after his first career loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023. The Ohio native bounced back from that loss by beating UFC legend Nate Diaz in August by decision unanimous. Paul, 27, also owns wins over former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. (Paul actually defeated Woodley twice, including once by knockout.)
Bourland (17-3), a 35-year-old California native, had a three-fight winning streak snapped.
Since the Diaz fight, Paul has pivoted toward a more traditional boxing path in terms of opponents that will allow him to gain experience with a view to one day competing for a title.
“If a fight comes up over money, I'll take it, because they're fun,” Paul said. “For now, I'm still on the path of fighting real fighters and increasing the level of competition.”
