The former light heavyweight Ryan Bourland from North Dakota’s oil fields moved up to cruiserweight to face Jake Paul in February. Bourland didn’t make it out of the first round.
Now, as he reflects on that fight and looks ahead to Friday’s showdown between Paul and boxing icon Mike Tyson, Bourland offers a few words of caution.
Bourland was taken aback by Paul’s size and skill. “I didn’t think it would be such a big deal until I got in there and saw him,” Bourland told BoxingScene. “He’s a big dude.” At 10-1 (7 KOs), Paul, a Cleveland native now based in Puerto Rico, has made waves since turning pro in 2020, despite ongoing criticism for his influencer background and carefully matched fights. He’ll now face 58-year-old former champion Tyson, who retired with a record of 50-6 (44 KOs) and hasn’t fought professionally since 2005.
Bourland pointed out that Tyson’s experience in the heavyweight ranks may neutralize the size advantage Paul had against him. “Mike Tyson—he’s a heavyweight,” Bourland said. “So the weight difference might not be that big for them in this fight.”
Nine months later, Bourland remains frustrated with the early stoppage in his fight against Paul, but he still recalls Paul’s surprising speed and footwork. “It was only one round, and they called it early,” Bourland said. “From what I remember, he was in and out with his feet, pretty damn good, pretty damn fast.”
As for Tyson’s chances, Bourland recognizes the risk but has faith in Tyson’s abilities. “From what I see on social media, Tyson seems ready,” he said. “A lot of people might think he’s too old, but if there’s anyone at 58 who could do it, it’s probably Mike Tyson. Still, it’s a little old to be trying to fight somebody like Paul at that age, you know, but I am going to be watching, that’s for sure.”
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