Sorry, MMA fans. Jake Paul’s next fight will be in the boxing ring, not the PFL SmartCage.
It’s been less than a week since Jake Paul KO’d Andre August, but that hasn’t stopped “The Problem Child” from quickly announcing the next fight in his burgeoning boxing career.
A press release from Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions states that Paul will serve as the co-main on a March 2nd card in Puerto Rico headlined by IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, and Ring featherweight champion Amanda Serrano vs. Nina Meinke. No opponent has been named for Paul in what MVP is declaring will be “the most viewed Puerto Rican boxing event in history.”
Serrano is a Puerto Rico native and has not competed in the country since becoming an undisputed champion. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Jake Paul as well — he and his brother Logan moved to the unincorporated U.S. territory in 2021 to take advantage of a 4% flat tax rate.
“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,” Paul said in the MVP press release. “I’m honored 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.”
After three years of flashy matchmaking against NBA stars and aged UFC legends, Paul fought a proper pro boxer with a similar record in his last bout. One with no reality show experience or famous relatives. He earned a highlight uppercut KO over Andre August 2:32 into the first round, and now haters can’t say he’s never beaten an actual boxer. We expect another similar ‘legitimate’ opponent for the Serrano fight, especially given Paul’s co-main status.
While these fights certainly generate less sizzle than a Nate Diaz rematch would, they’re allowing Paul to build up his boxing resume and skills while also developing MVP and its roster of fighters into a serious boxing promotion. Amanda Serrano was the first fighter signed to MVP, and Paul has been quite successful using his clout to raise her profile significantly. Will they be able to do the same with Javon “Wanna” Walton, the next prospect who’s getting the MVP rub?