Jake Paul heaps praise on ‘warrior’ Amanda Serrano after last-minute fight cancellation and tearful ring display
Jake Paul says he was left feeling ‘bittersweet’ after winning his tenth pro fight by knockout.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer ruthlessly stopped Ryan Bourland in the penultimate fight of a card supposed to be headlined by WBA, IBF and WBO featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano.
However, after Paul’s win, it was revealed that her title defence against Nina Meinke had been called off at the last minute due to an eye injury.
Serrano, who covered her eyes with sunglasses, entered the ring to address her Puerto Rican compatriots who had come out to watch her in the main event.
Loud boos then rang out around the arena as the announcement was made, and some fans even continued to boo when Serrano started speaking.
The 35-year-old was tearful throughout her apology speech, but Paul, who represents Serrano through his MVP promotional company, feels her ability to face the music at such a difficult time shows strength, not weakness.
READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL
“It just goes to show the type of woman and type of warrior that Amanda is that she still wanted to fight with an exposed cornea and the skin burnt off of her eye,” he said at his post-fight press conference.
“The chemical was also burning her hands, you can see the skin on her hands melting.
"She’s so tough, it’s very sad. I wanted nothing more than to support her and see her fight as well, but yeah, it’s just an unfortunate series of events but I believe that everything happens for a reason and the universe will unveil that reason soon enough.
“We will see, and I am very thankful for everyone who did show up and we will have to run it back I guess.”
Most read in Boxing
‘The Problem Child’ continued to praise Serrano on Sunday morning.
“Last night was bittersweet,” Paul .
“Got the W. It felt amazing to fight in Puerto Rico. But my focus is on Amanda Serrano. Amanda was beyond heartbroken but still had the courage to come into the ring and speak to the sold-out crowd in attendance that was there for her.
“That’s what a leader does. That’s what a champion does. Riding with you to the end Amanda. You are the real deal, Amanda Serrano.
“Thank you to my entire team, our event partners, the support in Puerto Rico and to all my fans worldwide.”