Jake Paul Books Return Against Pro Boxer Ryan Bourland On March 2

Jake Paul's first fight of the year is almost here.

In his next test, Paul (8-1) announced on Tuesday that he will face off against Ryan Bourland (17-2) on March 2nd. The boxing bout will serve as the co-main event to the featherweight title fight between Amanda Serrano and Nina Meinke.

The event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, takes place from El Coliseo De Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

'The Problem Child' has no problem fighting another pro boxer after knocking out Andre August in December. Bourland looks to be a step up in competition for Paul as the former Golden Gloves champion boasts 17 wins as a pro, with 6 KO's. 'The Rhino' currently rides a three-fight win streak.

Heading into the biggest fight of his career, Bourland's activity has been called into question.. The 35 year-old has fought once in the last six years - that being a knockout of Santario Martin in Sep. 2022. Bourland will have to shake off the ring rust (if such a thing exists) in his comeback.

Since suffering his first defeat to Tommy Fury in February, Paul has bounced back in the ring with two wins over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz and the aforementioned Andre August.

Jake Paul explains his decision to take on another boxer in Ryan Bourland, rather than facing another MMA fighter or influencer.

"The goal is simple, build the skillset to become world champion," Paul wrote on X. "Next up is a guy who has twice as many professional fights under his belt than I do. Ryan “The Rhino” Bourland. And just like the animal in his bone chilling nickname… he is also endangered.

On Saturday, March 2 as co-main to the Puerto Rican GOAT, Amanda Serrano, I’m fighting for experience, and to show my love to the island I call home I’ll be donating my entire fight purse to my nonprofit Boxing Bullies to help renovate gyms across."