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 prize fighter stopped Ryan Borland via TKO at 2:37 of the first round on Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Paul used a nice jab early and strong right hands to the body. This created a big combination that damaged Borland on the ropes. Paul then poured it until referee Louis Pabon stopped the match.
Paul, who lives and trains in Puerto Rico, had the crowd with him. His adopted nickname is “El Gallo de Dorado” and he came out in a rooster costume. The fans were chanting “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 so happy to be in Puerto Rico. You all show crazy love.”
Paul was coming off a first-round knockout of Andre Auguste – a similar but less experienced opponent to Borland – in December.
Paul outscored Borland 24-3.
“I think we have to step it up even more,” Paul said. “I'm ready for the big leagues. I'm sharp. 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 suggested one: Canelo Alvarez.
“Canelo, stop ducking,” Paul said. “I know you want to. I represent Puerto Rico, you represent Mexico. So, it's Puerto Rico versus Mexico.”
Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) is on a three-fight winning streak now following his first career loss to Tommy Fury in February 2023. The Ohio native rebounded from that defeat by defeating UFC legend Nate Diaz in August by unanimous decision. The 27-year-old Paul also has wins over former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. (In fact, he defeated Paul Woodley twice, including once by knockout.)
Borland (17-3), a 35-year-old California native, had his three-fight winning streak snapped.
Since the Diaz fight, Paul has shifted to a more traditional boxing path in regards to opponents which will see him gain experience with an eye on one day competing for a title shot.
“If a financial fight comes up, I'll take it, because it's fun,” Paul said. “For now, I will stay on the path of fighting real fighters and increasing the level of competition.”
“Alcohol enthusiast. Twitter ninja. Tv lover. Falls down a lot. Hipster-friendly coffee geek.”