Jake Paul continues a path he predicts will lead to a world championship, and next up for him is journeyman Ryan Bourland Saturday in Puerto Rico in a fight to be broadcast by DAZN.
Paul, 27, is 8-1 (with five KO’s) and coming off a first-round knockout against Andre August in December. He’ll enter the ring against the most experienced traditional boxer he’s faced yet – the 35-year-old Bourland (17-2, six KO’s).
“I want to challenge myself,’’ Paul said this week. “I want to put on tough fights and I need to get experience on my path to world champion, and he’s got 19 fights. He’s a very accomplished and experienced veteran in the sport.’’
But it’s unclear how formidable a challenge Bourland can present. This is his first fight since 2022 and his previous fight took place in 2018.
Paul faced his first defeat Feb. 26, 2023. Since then, he beat Nate Diaz by unanimous decision Aug. 5 in Dallas and knocked out August Dec. 15 in Orlando.
Follow along with USA TODAY Sports for updates and round-by-round analysis of the Paul-Bourland fight.
“Euphoria” actor Javon “Wanna” Walton drew loud boos from the crowd at the conclusion of his featherweight fight against Joshua Torres.
The four-round bout ended in a majority draw, and with the crowd expressing its disdain for Walton, the 17-year-old actor who fought conservatively in his second pro fight.
Two judges scored the fight 38-38 and the third judge scored it 39-37, resulting in a majority draw between Walton and 32-year-old Torres.
Restless over a lack of activity in the ring, the crowd was booing by the end of the first round. At one point spectators chanted “Fuera,’’ urging the fighters to exit the ring.
“I personally think I took this one, but the decision is what it is,’’ Walton said, and the boos began to rain down again.
Walton (1-0-1) won his pro debut Dec. 23 with a first-round knockout. But he struggled to land any solid punches against Torres (0-1-2). He said Torres was tougher than he expected.
“And you know, fighting on this stage, there’s some nerves that come with it for sure,’’ he said. “It’s not like anybody can just step up here and fight in front of this many people.’’
The boos built to a crescendo as he said, “It’s a hard thing to do.’’
Walton insisted he’ll continue to pursue a pro boxing career. “Absolutely,’’ he said.
Krystal Rosado, a 21-year-old Puerto Rican, beat 32-year-old Gloria Munguilla in a four-round super flyweight bout by majority decision, 38-38, 40-36, 40-36.
Rosado absorbed several punches but dished out enough punishment to improve to 3-0 (1 KO). Munguilla, who lives in Los Angeles, dropped to 5-1.
Jake Paul arrived by helicopter, which touched down at about 7:30 p.m. ET outside the venue, Coliseo de Puerto Rico. The aircraft bore the letters “MVP,’’ for Most Valuable Promotions, the company Paul co-founded. Inside the arena, the first of five fights on the main card was underway.
What time does Jake Paul fight tonight?
The Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland card will begin at 7 p.m. ET. The fight will take place at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Jake Paul fight live stream
The Paul-Bourland fight can be streamed on DAZN (Watch Now).
Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland fight card
Featherweight: Amanda Serrano vs. Nina Meinke
Featherweight: Pedro Marquez Medina vs. Brandon Valdes
Super Featherweight: Christopher Diaz vs. Headley Scott
Cruiserweight: Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland
Featherweight: Javon Walton vs. Joshua Torres
Light Flyweight: Jonathan Gonzalez vs. Rene Santiago
Junior Bantamweight: Krystal Rosado vs. Gloria Munguilla
Welterweight: Elijah Flores vs. Alejandro Munera
Contributing: Scooby Axson
