Jake Paul: ‘I’m the Skinny Fat Kid from the Disney Channel Trying to Become Dominant in the Toughest Sport in the World’

Paul returns to action on March 2 against Ryan Bourland

Jake Paul is not content with winning boxing matches.

He wants to become WBO super welterweight champion.

If Paul ever attains gold, it would instantly be one of the greatest underdog stories in all of pro sports. Even though it is extremely unlikely, Paul believes it will be his destiny.

“I’m dedicating myself to be the best in the world,” said Paul. “And this is a relatable story. I’m not Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tim Brady, or Shaq. I’m the skinny fat kid from the Disney Channel trying to become dominant in the toughest sport in the world. That’s what drives me.”

Courtesy DAZN

Paul looked outstanding in his last bout, knocking out Andre August in December. He won the fight in only 152 seconds, impressively delivering an array of jabs and feints that made August (10-2-1) uncomfortable, hitting with a check hook that foreshadowed that the end was near.

“I was happy with it,” said Paul (8-1). “He didn’t land a punch. Two minutes into the first round, I set up the finish.”

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Jake Paul kept his promise to the fans and got the first round knockout. Waving goodnight to the dazed Andre August#PaulAugust pic.twitter.com/ivW4dZUrWz

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 16, 2023

If Paul is serious about progressing in the sport, then he needs significantly more of a challenge. That is the goal for his next bout, which takes place on March 2 against Ryan Bourland in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Once again, Paul will enter the bout as an enormous favorite. But Bourland (17-2) is eight years older than the 27-year-old Paul, and he has more than twice as much experience.

“That’s why we wanted Ryan Bourland,” said Paul. “This is going to be a test, and I need these rounds under my belt.”

Instead of fighting former MMA stars, Paul is now attempting to rise up through the traditional boxing circuit. That is an extraordinarily difficult task, and one with many bumps and bruises just to arrive at the starting line.

“I have money,” said Paul. “I could retire and be an entrepreneur. Camps are lonely and monotonous. I know what I’m up against, but this is what I’m after. It’s practicing long-term gratification. That’s a lost cause in today’s world.

“It’s fun when you’re fighting legends and everyone is excited. That energy builds. I’m in a different place here–I’m looking for experience. There is definitely a smaller subset of boxing purists who find it really interesting, but these fights are a lot less sexy on paper.”

Courtesy DAZN

Paul’s fight against Bourland airs on DAZN. There is far less intrigue for this opponent than previous matchups when Paul slugged it out against MMA icon Anderson Silva or former UFC champ Tyron Woodley. A loyal partner in his pursuit of greatness has been Celsius, a brand Paul continues to champion.

“Celsius has been amazing,” said Paul. “It’s been about a year now together, and I’m excited for more to come. The new Celsius essentials are fire.”

Along with older brother Logan, Paul has embedded a blend of energy and excitement into all of his projects–and his pursuit of boxing excellence is no different. Paul has been filming a document throughout his journey, highlighting the grit and blood requisite to have even a modicum of success in the sport.

“I want to inspire,” said Paul. “That is my ultimate goal. Uplift and show what is possible when a person is a self-believer and a hard worker.”