Tag: Ryan Bourland

Weekend Review: Raymond Ford, Jake Paul KOs, Amanda Serrano’s bizarre fate

Weekend Review: Raymond Ford and Jake Paul delivered dramatic KOs. Amanda Serrano suffered a bizarre fate.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER I
Raymond Ford

That’s how you make a statement. Ford, the talented 24-year-old from Camden, New Jersey, was in big trouble as the seconds would down in his battle with Otabek Kholmatov for a vacant 126-pound title Saturday in Verona, New York. He was up on one card (105-104) but behind on the other two (106-103 on both) after 11 entertaining, brutal rounds. He needed multiple knockdowns or a knockout in the final round or the Uzbek would be crowned champion. Ford chose the knockout. He hurt Kholmatov with about 30 seconds left and then seized the remarkable moment, attacking with all the ferocity he had in him before the referee stopped the fight with only seven seconds remaining. It was one of the most memorable stoppages in recent years, one for which Ford certainly will be remembered over the years. So too Kholmatov, unfortunately for him. Rematch? Doesn’t sound likely, at least not immediately. Ford indicated after the fight that he had trouble making 126 and would likely move up to 130. He’ll probably feel stronger at that weight, which could help him avoid scoring deficits going forward. That could mean that no more Hail Marys will be necessary..

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Jake Paul

I get why Paul riles hardcore boxing fan. The guy came out of nowhere, with no boxing background, a crude skill set and a big mouth. And he makes more money and gets more attention than all but a few genuine boxers. That infuriates people. Not me. I wish boxing had a higher profile and that all legitimate fighters could make enough money to set themselves up for life. God knows they earn it. However, I don’t think it’s right to begrudge Paul what he’s earning, both in dollars and headlines. He’s doesn’t have the ability or experience of the top boxers but no one since Floyd Mayweather is better at self-marketing, which I admire. There obviously is a demand for his goods and he delivers them, fight after fight after fight. And he appears to be improving in the ring. I don’t believe his first-round knockout of the chubby Ryan Bourland on Saturday in Puerto Rico means Paul is ready for the “big leagues,” as he called elite boxing. At the same time I liked his footwork, I liked his jab, I liked his body work. And knockouts are always fun to watch. He seems to be evolving, even it’s happening slowly. Can he beat contenders? God no. Can he continue to deliver entertaining performances against increasingly capable opponents? I believe that’s realistic.

 

MOST BIZARRE
Serrano-Meinke cancelation

The sight of Serrano crying in the ring after her title defense against Nina Meinke was canceled at the last minute was difficult to see. Fighting for her home-country fans in Puerto Rico meant everything to her, more than money, more than legacy, more than anything. The fact officials there wouldn’t allow her to fight because of a bizarre eye injury left her devastated. “I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart,” she said to the crowd at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan as she held back tears. Heartbreaking. The injury? Bizarre might not be a strong enough word. She evidently had her hair dyed on Thursday. On Friday, the dye dripped into her eye and damaged her cornea. And she was declared “medically unfit” to fight. I trust that she – and everyone else who uses dye – will be careful to avoid such an unfortunate mistake going forward. One more thing: Should Serrano or co-promoter Jake Paul have gone public with the news earlier to give spectators the option of staying home? They evidently still hoped she could fight only hours before the opening bell, which made the last-second announcement understandable. And the fact they will provide full refunds and pay Meinke were good moves. Paul said the fight will happen after the eye heals.

[lawrence-related id=40990,40984,40949,40932,40934]

Weekend Review: Raymond Ford, Jake Paul KOs, Amanda Serrano’s bizarre fate

Weekend Review: Raymond Ford and Jake Paul delivered dramatic KOs. Amanda Serrano suffered a bizarre fate.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER I
Raymond Ford

That’s how you make a statement. Ford, the talented 24-year-old from Camden, New Jersey, was in big trouble as the seconds would down in his battle with Otabek Kholmatov for a vacant 126-pound title Saturday in Verona, New York. He was up on one card (105-104) but behind on the other two (106-103 on both) after 11 entertaining, brutal rounds. He needed multiple knockdowns or a knockout in the final round or the Uzbek would be crowned champion. Ford chose the knockout. He hurt Kholmatov with about 30 seconds left and then seized the remarkable moment, attacking with all the ferocity he had in him before the referee stopped the fight with only seven seconds remaining. It was one of the most memorable stoppages in recent years, one for which Ford certainly will be remembered over the years. So too Kholmatov, unfortunately for him. Rematch? Doesn’t sound likely, at least not immediately. Ford indicated after the fight that he had trouble making 126 and would likely move up to 130. He’ll probably feel stronger at that weight, which could help him avoid scoring deficits going forward. That could mean that no more Hail Marys will be necessary..

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Jake Paul

I get why Paul riles hardcore boxing fan. The guy came out of nowhere, with no boxing background, a crude skill set and a big mouth. And he makes more money and gets more attention than all but a few genuine boxers. That infuriates people. Not me. I wish boxing had a higher profile and that all legitimate fighters could make enough money to set themselves up for life. God knows they earn it. However, I don’t think it’s right to begrudge Paul what he’s earning, both in dollars and headlines. He’s doesn’t have the ability or experience of the top boxers but no one since Floyd Mayweather is better at self-marketing, which I admire. There obviously is a demand for his goods and he delivers them, fight after fight after fight. And he appears to be improving in the ring. I don’t believe his first-round knockout of the chubby Ryan Bourland on Saturday in Puerto Rico means Paul is ready for the “big leagues,” as he called elite boxing. At the same time I liked his footwork, I liked his jab, I liked his body work. And knockouts are always fun to watch. He seems to be evolving, even it’s happening slowly. Can he beat contenders? God no. Can he continue to deliver entertaining performances against increasingly capable opponents? I believe that’s realistic.

 

MOST BIZARRE
Serrano-Meinke cancelation

The sight of Serrano crying in the ring after her title defense against Nina Meinke was canceled at the last minute was difficult to see. Fighting for her home-country fans in Puerto Rico meant everything to her, more than money, more than legacy, more than anything. The fact officials there wouldn’t allow her to fight because of a bizarre eye injury left her devastated. “I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart,” she said to the crowd at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan as she held back tears. Heartbreaking. The injury? Bizarre might not be a strong enough word. She evidently had her hair dyed on Thursday. On Friday, the dye dripped into her eye and damaged her cornea. And she was declared “medically unfit” to fight. I trust that she – and everyone else who uses dye – will be careful to avoid such an unfortunate mistake going forward. One more thing: Should Serrano or co-promoter Jake Paul have gone public with the news earlier to give spectators the option of staying home? They evidently still hoped she could fight only hours before the opening bell, which made the last-second announcement understandable. And the fact they will provide full refunds and pay Meinke were good moves. Paul said the fight will happen after the eye heals.

[lawrence-related id=40990,40984,40949,40932,40934]

Photos: Jake Paul’s first-round demolition of overmatched Ryan Bourland

Photos: Jake Paul’s first-round demolition of overmatched Ryan Bourland on Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Jake Paul stopped Ryan Bourland in the opening round of their scheduled eight-round, 200-pound fight Saturday at Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico, his second consecutive first-round knockout. The official time of the stoppage was 2:37.

Here are images from the fight. All photos by Al Bello and Ricardo Arduengo of Getty Images.

[lawrence-related id=40932,40934,40922]

Jake Paul delivers second consecutive brutal first-round knockout

Jake Paul delivered a second consecutive brutal first-round knockout Saturday in Puerto Rico, stopping overmatched Ryan Bourland.

Jake Paul is playing the role of a boxer well.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer-and-promoter knocked out Ryan Bourland only 2 minutes, 37 seconds into their scheduled eight-round, 200-pound fight Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Paul’s second consecutive first-round stoppage.

Paul overwhelmed Bourland from the start, fighting behind a sharp jab and connecting on brutal body shots before finishing him off.

The fight preceded the stunning announcement that the Amanda Serrano-Nina Meinke main event would not take place because Serrano has an eye injury.

“If you’re not first, you’re last,” Paul said immediately after his victory. “It’s plain and simple. There’s nothing else to it. Just shake and bake, dodge his little punches and put his sorry ass on the floor.

“That’s just how we do it from (his native) Ohio.”

Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) looked like a fighter who continues to improve from the outset. He used his jab to establish range and followed with several hard blows to the gut, which got Bourland’s attention.

Then, about two minutes into the fight, an overhand right to the side of Bourland’s head seemed to rock him and he went into survival mode.

Paul, smelling blood, unloaded a barrage of power punches in an attempt to finish the job as Bourland stumbled around the ring. Finally, the California fighter collapsed under a flurry of unanswered shots as referee Luis Pabon was in the process of stopping the fight.

Critics won’t give Paul credit because of Bourland’s obvious limitations but the loser did have amateur experience and 19 pro fights, making him Paul’s most-seasoned opponent.

Paul was asked afterward whether he would’ve preferred to go more rounds to gain experience himself and put on a longer show for the fans.

“He was supposed to give it to me, right,” he said. “This guy has 19 fights, super experienced. I guess I have to step up way more. I’m ready for the big leagues. I’m really sharp.

“This is my life now. I’m on the road to becoming a world champion.”

Those who follow boxing closely probably will roll their eyes when they read that quote given Paul’s late start and lack of experience.

And they already scoff at the idea of him facing future Hall of Famer and undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, who remains an elite fighter at 33 years old.

That doesn’t deter Paul from calling out the Mexican superstar. He knows how much money he would stand to make if he could somehow lure Alvarez into the ring.

And even if he can’t — don’t get your hopes up — just mentioning Alvarez name will get him views and likes on social media, which he has mastered.

“Canelo, stop ducking,” he said. “I know you want it. I’m repping Puerto Rico, you’re repping Mexico. So it’s Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. I want Canelo. I want all the big names.

“Like I said, I’m the face of the sport. Who’s doing more for boxing than me? I prove it time and time again. I’m the most followed boxer, I have most viral knockouts, period.

“No one can deny that. I’m here to stay.”

[lawrence-related id=40934]

Jake Paul delivers second consecutive brutal first-round knockout

Jake Paul delivered a second consecutive brutal first-round knockout Saturday in Puerto Rico, stopping overmatched Ryan Bourland.

Jake Paul is playing the role of a boxer well.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer-and-promoter knocked out Ryan Bourland only 2 minutes, 37 seconds into their scheduled eight-round, 200-pound fight Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Paul’s second consecutive first-round stoppage.

Paul overwhelmed Bourland from the start, fighting behind a sharp jab and connecting on brutal body shots before finishing him off.

The fight preceded the stunning announcement that the Amanda Serrano-Nina Meinke main event would not take place because Serrano has an eye injury.

“If you’re not first, you’re last,” Paul said immediately after his victory. “It’s plain and simple. There’s nothing else to it. Just shake and bake, dodge his little punches and put his sorry ass on the floor.

“That’s just how we do it from (his native) Ohio.”

Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) looked like a fighter who continues to improve from the outset. He used his jab to establish range and followed with several hard blows to the gut, which got Bourland’s attention.

Then, about two minutes into the fight, an overhand right to the side of Bourland’s head seemed to rock him and he went into survival mode.

Paul, smelling blood, unloaded a barrage of power punches in an attempt to finish the job as Bourland stumbled around the ring. Finally, the California fighter collapsed under a flurry of unanswered shots as referee Luis Pabon was in the process of stopping the fight.

Critics won’t give Paul credit because of Bourland’s obvious limitations but the loser did have amateur experience and 19 pro fights, making him Paul’s most-seasoned opponent.

Paul was asked afterward whether he would’ve preferred to go more rounds to gain experience himself and put on a longer show for the fans.

“He was supposed to give it to me, right,” he said. “This guy has 19 fights, super experienced. I guess I have to step up way more. I’m ready for the big leagues. I’m really sharp.

“This is my life now. I’m on the road to becoming a world champion.”

Those who follow boxing closely probably will roll their eyes when they read that quote given Paul’s late start and lack of experience.

And they already scoff at the idea of him facing future Hall of Famer and undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, who remains an elite fighter at 33 years old.

That doesn’t deter Paul from calling out the Mexican superstar. He knows how much money he would stand to make if he could somehow lure Alvarez into the ring.

And even if he can’t — don’t get your hopes up — just mentioning Alvarez name will get him views and likes on social media, which he has mastered.

“Canelo, stop ducking,” he said. “I know you want it. I’m repping Puerto Rico, you’re repping Mexico. So it’s Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. I want Canelo. I want all the big names.

“Like I said, I’m the face of the sport. Who’s doing more for boxing than me? I prove it time and time again. I’m the most followed boxer, I have most viral knockouts, period.

“No one can deny that. I’m here to stay.”

[lawrence-related id=40934]

Amanda Serrano’s title defense canceled because of eye injury

Amanda Serrano’s title defense against Nina Meinke, scheduled for Saturday in Puerto Rico, was canceled because Serrano has an eye injury.

Editor’s note: This article was updated with the cause of Amanda Serrano’s injury.

***

Amanda Serrano’s title defense against Nina Meinke on Saturday in her home country of Puerto Rico was canceled at the last moment because the champion suffered a bizarre eye injury.

Co-promoter Nakisa Bidarian said the injury — a damaged cornea — stems from a hair-dying appointment earlier in the week. The dye evidently dripped into her eye during a run on Friday, causing the damage.

The Puerto Rican Boxing Commission reportedly declared her “medically unfit” and wouldn’t allow her to fight.

A tearful Serrano, who cherished the opportunity to fight in front of her fans,  was clearly devastated as she and Meinke stood in the ring in San Juan for the stunning announcement.

She said she was willing to do battle in spite of the injury but doctors nixed the fight after she failed an eye exam.

“I’m so sorry. I came to fight, I came to put on a show for you guys,” she said as some in the crowd booed. “One thing I will tell you, I will be back. This is where I will retire. … I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

She said she could barely see out of her eye.

“I was willing to go out there and still give the fans a show but they just wouldn’t allow me to,” she said.

Paul, who knocked out opponent Ryan Bourland in the first round moments earlier, said the fight will be rescheduled.

“She’s going to push through this, heal the eye,” said Paul, who had his arm around Serrano to comfort her. “And we’re going to come back as soon as we can and re-run it. Nina wants that, Amanda wants that.

“… We did everything we could to keep the fight on but it wasn’t being approved by the commissions.”

Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) would have fought in her native country for the first time since 2021. Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs) was hoping to win her first world title.

Amanda Serrano’s title defense canceled because of eye injury

Amanda Serrano’s title defense against Nina Meinke, scheduled for Saturday in Puerto Rico, was canceled because Serrano has an eye injury.

Editor’s note: This article was updated with the cause of Amanda Serrano’s injury.

***

Amanda Serrano’s title defense against Nina Meinke on Saturday in her home country of Puerto Rico was canceled at the last moment because the champion suffered a bizarre eye injury.

Co-promoter Nakisa Bidarian said the injury — a damaged cornea — stems from a hair-dying appointment earlier in the week. The dye evidently dripped into her eye during a run on Friday, causing the damage.

The Puerto Rican Boxing Commission reportedly declared her “medically unfit” and wouldn’t allow her to fight.

A tearful Serrano, who cherished the opportunity to fight in front of her fans,  was clearly devastated as she and Meinke stood in the ring in San Juan for the stunning announcement.

She said she was willing to do battle in spite of the injury but doctors nixed the fight after she failed an eye exam.

“I’m so sorry. I came to fight, I came to put on a show for you guys,” she said as some in the crowd booed. “One thing I will tell you, I will be back. This is where I will retire. … I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

She said she could barely see out of her eye.

“I was willing to go out there and still give the fans a show but they just wouldn’t allow me to,” she said.

Paul, who knocked out opponent Ryan Bourland in the first round moments earlier, said the fight will be rescheduled.

“She’s going to push through this, heal the eye,” said Paul, who had his arm around Serrano to comfort her. “And we’re going to come back as soon as we can and re-run it. Nina wants that, Amanda wants that.

“… We did everything we could to keep the fight on but it wasn’t being approved by the commissions.”

Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) would have fought in her native country for the first time since 2021. Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs) was hoping to win her first world title.

Social media reacts to Jake Paul’s blowout TKO of Ryan Bourland in boxing match

Jake Paul continues his “road to becoming world champion” when he added another TKO to his record against an overmatched Ryan Bourland.

[autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] continues his “road to becoming world champion” on Saturday when he added another knockout to his record against an overmatched foe in [autotag]Ryan Bourland[/autotag].

Although Bourland (17-3) came into the fight with more professional boxing bouts, Paul (9-1) looked the more experienced of the two by leaps and bounds. The YouTuber-turned-boxer came out aggressive and punished Bourland for a few minutes until the referee stepped in.

Check out the top social media reacts to Paul’s win over Bourland in Puerto Rico.

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Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano card: LIVE updates, results, full coverage

Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano card: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.

Amanda Serrano’s 126-pound title defense against Nina Meinke was canceled at the last minute because Serrano has an eye injury.

Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) said tearfully in the ring that she failed a mandatory medical exam. Jake Paul, her promoter, said her “cornea is exposed. You can’t risk your eyesight forever.”

Serrano didn’t say how she suffered the injury.

“She’s going to push through this, heal the eye,” said Paul, who had his arm around the devastated Puerto Rican fighter. “And we’re going to come back as soon as we can and re-run it. Nina wants that, Amanda wants that.

“This happened 36 hours ago. We did everything we could to keep the fight on but it wasn’t being approved by the commissions as well.”

Said Serrano: “I’m so sorry. I came to fight, I came to put on a show, for you guys. One thing I will tell you, I will be back. This is where I will retire. … I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

She said she could barely see out of her eye.

“I was willing to go out there and still give the fans a show but they just wouldn’t allow me to,” she said.

***

Jake Paul stopped Ryan Bourland in the opening round of their scheduled eight-round, 200-pound fight, his second consecutive first-round knockout. The official time of the stoppage was 2:37.

Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) took control of the fight immediately, using his jab and hard body shots to put Bourland (17-3, 5 KOs) on the defensive.

The beginning of the end appeared to be an overhand right to the side of Bourland’s head about two minutes into the fight, a blow that staggered the California fighter.

Paul followed with a barrage of punishing, accurate shots as he followed a wounded Bourland around the ring. Finally, Bourland collapsed under a flurry of unanswered punches and referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight.

Paul was coming off a first-round stoppage of Andre August in December. He needed five fewer seconds to put August away.

A full report will follow shortly.

***

Jonathan Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs) successfully defended his 108-pound title against Rene Santiago (12-3, 9 KOs) by a unanimous decision in a competitive all-Puerto Rico battle.

The official scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113.

Gonzalez was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, but he lives in the Bronx, New York.

***

Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano will take part in co-featured bouts Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico (DAZN).

Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) will face Ryan Bourland (17-2, 6 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round 200-pound bout. Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) will then defend her 126-pound titles against Nina Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs).

The featured portion of the show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. (main event later in the show).

Boxing Junkie will post results, as well as a brief summary, immediately after the featured fights end. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.

Full coverage – detailed fight stories, analysis and more – will follow on separate posts the night of the card and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=40913,40911,40885,40883]

Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano card: LIVE updates, results, full coverage

Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano card: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.

Amanda Serrano’s 126-pound title defense against Nina Meinke was canceled at the last minute because Serrano has an eye injury.

Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) said tearfully in the ring that she failed a mandatory medical exam. Jake Paul, her promoter, said her “cornea is exposed. You can’t risk your eyesight forever.”

Serrano didn’t say how she suffered the injury.

“She’s going to push through this, heal the eye,” said Paul, who had his arm around the devastated Puerto Rican fighter. “And we’re going to come back as soon as we can and re-run it. Nina wants that, Amanda wants that.

“This happened 36 hours ago. We did everything we could to keep the fight on but it wasn’t being approved by the commissions as well.”

Said Serrano: “I’m so sorry. I came to fight, I came to put on a show, for you guys. One thing I will tell you, I will be back. This is where I will retire. … I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

She said she could barely see out of her eye.

“I was willing to go out there and still give the fans a show but they just wouldn’t allow me to,” she said.

***

Jake Paul stopped Ryan Bourland in the opening round of their scheduled eight-round, 200-pound fight, his second consecutive first-round knockout. The official time of the stoppage was 2:37.

Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) took control of the fight immediately, using his jab and hard body shots to put Bourland (17-3, 5 KOs) on the defensive.

The beginning of the end appeared to be an overhand right to the side of Bourland’s head about two minutes into the fight, a blow that staggered the California fighter.

Paul followed with a barrage of punishing, accurate shots as he followed a wounded Bourland around the ring. Finally, Bourland collapsed under a flurry of unanswered punches and referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight.

Paul was coming off a first-round stoppage of Andre August in December. He needed five fewer seconds to put August away.

A full report will follow shortly.

***

Jonathan Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs) successfully defended his 108-pound title against Rene Santiago (12-3, 9 KOs) by a unanimous decision in a competitive all-Puerto Rico battle.

The official scores were 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113.

Gonzalez was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, but he lives in the Bronx, New York.

***

Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano will take part in co-featured bouts Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico (DAZN).

Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) will face Ryan Bourland (17-2, 6 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round 200-pound bout. Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) will then defend her 126-pound titles against Nina Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs).

The featured portion of the show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. (main event later in the show).

Boxing Junkie will post results, as well as a brief summary, immediately after the featured fights end. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.

Full coverage – detailed fight stories, analysis and more – will follow on separate posts the night of the card and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=40913,40911,40885,40883]