Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul started his career in the ring against opposition with no credibility. While his latest batch of opponents don’t have the skills of Canelo Alvarez, “The Problem Cild” is attempting to prove he deserves to fight for world titles. He starts 2024 by facing Ryan Bourland on March 2.
The fight in Puerto Rico is Paul’s third fight against a legitimate boxer and second straight. He lost against Tommy Fury to start 2023, and ended it by knocking out Andre August. While he is a man known for the spotlight, Paul has taken a step back, as he will be the co-main event under Amanda Serrano vs. Nina Meinke for the unified featherweight titles. Still, his presence is hard to ignore, thanks to his own doing.
Bourland is a former Golden Gloves champion who turned pro in 2013. The Californian is on a three-fight win streak, his last outing being a TKO win in September 2022 against Santario Martin. Just like August, Bourland took time off from the ring, with his last fight in 2022 and 2018 before that.
Fight fans may scoff at the idea Bourland was chosen as Paul’s opponent given his lack of ring time over the last few years, and rightfully so. The 35-year-old has worked in oil fields and is returning to the ring to face Paul in what could be the biggest payday of his career in a fight that airs on DAZN. However, all he appears to care about is making an impact and defying the odds.
WATCH: Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland, live on DAZN
“Jake Paul steps into the ring with his social media clout, but let’s not mistake followers for experience or skill,” Bourland said via ESPN. “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.”
The Sporting News will provide all you need to know about the fight, from time, channel, card, and more.
The main card starts at 7 p.m. ET. Paul and Bourland should make their way to the ring around 9 p.m. ET or 6 p.m. PT, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
MORE: Cheapest seats to watch Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano in Puerto Rico
The Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland fight card will be available via DAZN, which is available as an app on many TV streaming devices and smartphones, as well as via DAZN.com on web browsers.
Now available as a Sky channel, DAZN 1 HD is exclusive to Sky in the UK.
WATCH: Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland, live on DAZN
MORE: Who is Ryan Bourland? Career record, bio