Boxing News: Jake Paul Slams Nate Diaz For "Ducking," Challenges Disgruntled UFC Fighters

"The Problem Child" delivered another first-round KO finish.
Boxing News: Jake Paul Slams Nate Diaz For "Ducking," Challenges Disgruntled UFC Fighters
Boxing News: Jake Paul Slams Nate Diaz For "Ducking," Challenges Disgruntled UFC Fighters /

Despite an Amanda Serrano eye injury forcing a main event cancellation at the last minute, Jake Paul continued his winning form in the co-main attraction, needing less than a round to dispatch Ryan Bourland Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Paul said competing in professional boxing over the last few years has been more than just a career. In his words, the so-called "lifestyle" motivates him to be the best version of himself in each fight.

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Addressing assembled media after the night's festivities, Paul is already focused on what's ahead for the remainder of 2024, whether in boxing or MMA.

"I am going to stay as active as possible and it's about finding the right opponent," Paul said.

That next opponent could be one of several options, including a crossover rematch with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, whom Paul has expressed interest in facing once more.

But, there is another name Paul says he would love to give his dues to if they accepted on the dotted line.

Jake Paul defeated Ryan Bourland via a first-round KO Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
CELSIUS/Alex Subers

"Anyone [from the UFC] who can get out of their contract, I’ll fight," Paul, who has advocated for equal fighter pay, said. "That’s easy work as far as I am concerned. I do want to do a PFL-MMA match, just has to be the right opponent but Nate did duck my $15 million offer so we’ll see who else is on the chopping block. Tony Ferguson? He said he wanted to fight? I don’t want to see him go out like that, that would be sad. He’s a great guy, we don’t want that for Tony.”

Regardless of who Paul fights next, returning to compete in Puerto Rico is a priority for the 27-year-old.

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"We have to," Paul said. "Amanda is going to want that. I loved fighting here. The crowd was amazing, it gave me goosebumps when they were all chanting “Gallo” and it means the world. They welcomed me and were turnt up for me so we have to come back here and put on another event.”

The event drew a sold-out crowd from Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, kicking off DAZN's extensive boxing coverage schedule.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99