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Marc Raimondi, ESPN Staff Writer
Jake Paul's critics wanted him to fight a real boxer. He has now knocked out two of them consecutively within one round.
The YouTuber-turned-prize fighter stopped Ryan Bolland by TKO at 2:37 of the first round on Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Paul used a nice jab early on, landing his right hand to the body. This led to a big combination and Borland was hurt at the ropes. Paul then continued to pour it on until referee Luis Pavon stopped the fight.
Paul, who lives and trains in Puerto Rico, had the audience with him. His nickname was “El Gallo de Dorado” and he came out wearing a rooster costume. Fans chanted “Gallo” at the entrance and during the first round.
“I wanted the match to be a little longer to give the fans a little more time,” Paul said in the post-match interview. “I'm so happy to be here in Puerto Rico. Show me some crazy love, everyone.”
Paul defeated Andre Augusto (a similar but less experienced journeyman opponent to Borland) in December by knockout in the first round.
Paul outscored Borland 24-3.
“I think we need to step it up even more,” Paul said. “I'm ready for the big leagues. I'm getting sharper. This is my life now.”
When asked who he'd like to fight next, Paul said he didn't want to name names. However, he proposed a candidate named Canelo Alvarez.
“Hey, Canelo, stop squatting,” Paul said. “I know you want that. I represent Puerto Rico and you represent Mexico. So it's Puerto Rico versus Mexico.”
Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) has won three straight since suffering his first career loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023. Paul, an Ohio native, bounced back from that loss by defeating UFC legend Nate Diaz by unanimous decision in August. Paul, 27, also has wins over former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. (Paul actually defeated Woodley twice, once by knockout.)
Borland (17-3), a 35-year-old from California, ended his winning streak at three.
Since the Diaz fight, Paul has pivoted to a more traditional boxing trajectory in terms of opponents to gain experience in anticipation of one day competing for the title.
“If there's a money fight, I'll take it because it's fun,” Paul said. “For now, I am continuing on my path of fighting real martial artists and increasing the level of competition.”
