YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has announced that he will return to the ring on March 2, 2024. While Paul's opponent remains undisclosed at this time, speculations hint at a challenger of a similar calibre to his latest opponent, Andre August, on December 15 in Orlando.
Paul is set for a co-headliner in a card taking place at Coliseo de Puerto Rico, with the main event featuring IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO and The Ring women's Featherweight champion Amanda Serrano (46-2-1). The Puerto Rican native will defend her belts against Nina Meinke (18-3-0), according to a press release from Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
"Fighting for the first time at home in Puerto Rico alongside one of the greatest fighters ever, Amanda Serrano, promises to be the event of a lifetime," said Paul.
"I'm honoured to be the co-main event on Amanda's homecoming card, and I could not be more excited to bring this historic event to Puerto Rico as I continue my path to becoming a world champion."
Serrano, an undisputed champion, has not competed in her home territory since attaining her titles. Paul emphasized that Puerto Rico will finally have the chance to properly celebrate Serrano's greatness, predicting that this event will be the biggest night of boxing the venue has ever witnessed.
"She is going to sell more tickets in one event than Katie Taylor did in two in Dublin," he said.
As for the undercard, WBO light flyweight champion Jonathan Gonzalez (27-3-1) will defend his title for the third time. In addition, Krystal Rosado-Ortiz (2-0) will make her third ring appearance at super flyweight.
The event will also feature the professional debut of 17-year-old Javon "Wanna" Walton, known for his acting in HBO's Euphoria but now focusing on his boxing career.
Paul's past opponents
Paul has amassed a record of 8-1 since he transitioned from content creation to combat sports. Prior to his victory over August, the 26-year-old had secured a unanimous decision against former UFC star Nate Diaz in Dallas last August.
He suffered his only loss against Tommy Fury, who clinched a split decision victory in February after eight rounds in Saudi Arabia on a Sunday night. Following this setback, Paul expressed his determination to secure a rematch. However, when discussing the possibility of facing Fury again, Paul said that financial factors might present a challenge.
"We had calls with him , had an hour long call with him and the whole entire thing was just kind of this thing, 'Oh, more money, more money, more money.'" said Paul.
"When he's not getting more money by fighting anybody else and we have an amazing offer out there for him and it's kind of just these excuses after excuses."
As Paul is now gearing up for his next match, speculation has also arisen regarding Tyron Woodley as a potential opponent for Paul. "The Chosen One" has expressed a desire for a third bout after experiencing two losses to Paul in the boxing ring. However, he prefers the bout to happen in a PFL cage.
