Jake Paul forced to refund £1.2 million following first-round knock out
Jake Paul was given a hefty surprise following his victory over Ryan Bourland last night (2 March).
Paul defeated Bourland via knockout in the first round of their bout as the co-main event.
Despite the victory, some fans were left disappointed at his choice of opponent, even though Borland is a seasoned professional.
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Bourland was on a run of three straight victories prior to their match-up, and went into the fight with a 17-2-0 record.
However, Paul ended the bout with just 2:37 on the clock in the first round, starting well with some early jabs and right hands to his opponent's body, with the flurry of punches enough to force the referee to stop the fight.
Once known for being a full-time YouTuber, in recent years Paul has turned his attention to boxing.
The former Team 10 member now has a boxing record of 9-1-0, with the sole loss coming at the hands of UK reality TV star Tommy Fury.
However, following his latest fight, the 27-year-old has been left with a large sum to pay after the co-main event didn't go ahead as planned.
Puerta Rican icon Amanda Serrano was set to make her San Juan homecoming against Germany's Nina Meinke, part of an undisputed featherweight title defence.
However, prior to the bout, news starting circulating that the 35-year-old Serrano had suffered from an eye injury that would force her out of competing.
When she entered the ring following Paul's victory, Serrano wore glasses to cover her face.
Heartbroken, Serrano confirmed to the crowd that doctors wouldn't allow her to fight, explaining: “I came ready to fight, 100 percent I came to show my fans a great show.
“But the doctor didn’t clear me because I had something wrong with my eye.
"I had my hair done a couple of days ago, as you can see, the doctor didn’t clear me to fight. I wanted to fight for my people.”
Paul insisted that she wanted to compete amid boos from the crowd, but that it was ultimately out of their control.
Along with his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, Paul ensured that the record-breaking $1.5 million (£1.2 million) made in sales would be refunded to fans.
Bidarian stated: "Jake and I and Amanda have made the decision, 100% of the $1,511,000 will be refunded to all fans in attendance who seek a refund."
And Bidarian revealed how Serrano's hair appointment ultimately caused the freak injury.
He explained: "On Friday, while going on a run, a chemical went into her eye that is why at the weigh in she was wearing glasses."
Bidarian added that they did everything they could to make the fight go ahead.
"The commission would not allow her to enter the ring and do what she wanted to do most which was fight in front of her fans on this island," he concluded.
Opponent Meinke also sent her commiserations to Serrano, saying: “I’m absolutely gutted. I hope Amanda will be well and recovers soon.
“Quick recovery for you Amanda, I’m ready, I’m waiting for you, I’m ready when you are."
Joshua Nair