Jake Paul confirms former Gold Gloves champion as opponent for March 2 boxing return

Jake Paul’s opponent for his March 2 return to boxing has been announced, and it looks like he’s taking yet another step up in quality following his win over Andre August. 

When Jake Paul first stepped into the world of boxing, he was taking on athletes from different sports who were just dipping their toes into things. The YouTuber-turned-boxer quickly outclassed a few of his opponents in those crossover fights and set his sights on something more. 

Jake then went after ‘real’ boxers who have actually dedicated their life to the sweet science. He fell at the first hurdle, losing to Tommy Fury, but got back on the horse to fight Andre August in mid-December. The 27-year-old took home the win there with a first-round knockout. 

After a few weeks out of action, the internet sensation revealed that he’d be fighting on the undercard for Amanda Serrano vs Nina Meinke on March 2nd in Puerto Rice – but his opponent had been a bit of a mystery. 

Jake Paul to fight veteran cruiserweight Ryan Bourland

Well, that has changed now. Jake’s Most Valuable Promotions brand has now revealed that he’ll be fighting Ryan Bourland, a 35-year-old cruiserweight who has a record of 17 wins and two defeats. 

Six of Bourland’s 17 wins have come by way of knockout and he is a former Golden Gloves champion. However, he hasn’t fought in the ring since 2022 – and even that came after a four-year hiatus from boxing, most of which he’s done on the regional circuit in California. 

Despite the inactivity, the veteran cruiserweight is on a three-fight winning streak, winning his last fight inside 20 seconds. 

In his two defeats, Bourland has only been knocked out once. His last defeat came as part of a majority decision, so he can certainly go the distance in scrappy fights. 

A win over Bourland is hardly going to get him in the reckoning for a cruiserweight world title shot, but it will be further progress for Jake as continues his journey.