Jake Paul explains why he opted for co-main event spot in boxing return: “I’m just here supporting”

By Josh Evanoff - February 28, 2024

Ahead of his return to the boxing ring, Jake Paul is just happy to be gaining experience.

Jake Paul

‘The Problem Child’ is at a very strange point in his combat sports career. Jake Paul burst onto the scene in 2020, scoring a knockout win over AnEsonGib in his professional debut. Following that victory in the boxing ring, the YouTuber began to target fights with several former UFC stars.

Over the following years, Jake Paul scored wins over the likes of Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, and more. However, that’s not what the YouTuber-turned-boxer is doing anymore. Paul is instead focusing on traditional boxers moving forward.

Last December, he took the first step of defeating a professional boxer. Jake Paul flattened the 10-1-1 Andre August in Florida, in a more lowkey event. For the bout, the YouTuber didn’t do a lot of promotion and even wore the same trunks that he had for his aforementioned bout against Diaz.

On Saturday night, Jake Paul will return to face another lightly-regarded pro, Ryan Bourland. ‘The Rhino’ currently holds a 17-2 record, only scoring one victory in the last five years. Paul’s return won’t even take place in the main event. Instead, he’s the co-main event to Amanda Serrano’s return against Nina Meinke.

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Jake Paul discusses boxing return on Amanda Serrano vs. Nina Meinke undercard

Jake Paul discussed his return, in a recent DAZN Boxing video alongside the aforementioned Serrano. There, ‘The Real Deal ‘asked the YouTuber why he decided to take a step back to the co-main event. Paul responded that the night is more about Serrano than him, which is why he’s not the headliner.

“[I’m] just a disruptor, changing this sport for the better and making boxing great again.” Jake Paul stated in a recent DAZN Boxing video, speaking to Amanda Serrano. “I think it’s the best sport in the world, and [I’m] growing, helping fighters. Hopefully becoming world champion one day to inspire kids to chase their dreams and accomplish them.”

“This is [Serrano’s] island, your home. It’s all you. This is something that you’ve been working for, for your whole career. To have this sellout crowd at the Coliseum and yeah. I feel like I’m just here supporting [you]. All the people are going to be there for you, [not me]. Let’s go.”

What do you make of these comments? Will you watch Jake Paul’s boxing return on Saturday night?