Northern California fighter of the year: Ryan Bourland

Ryan “The Rhino” Bourland bounced back from his lone career loss last year to Israel Duffus with a solid 2016. Bourland fought three times on the regional Northern California circuit and ended his run by picking up a regional title from the Global Boxing Organization at light heavyweight.

Bourland who left his coach this year started training with boxing coach Tony Armenta who also doubled as his clothing sponsor as Armenta makes the ever popular fight apparel clothing line, Strive Apparel. Under Armenta, Borland picked up three wins without any losses gradually taking tougher and tougher fights.

Borland would defeat Billy Bailey to start the year in Sacramento, CA as he showed off the ability to fight off the back foot, something Bourland had not demonstrated a lot during his previous fight as well as go six rounds. Bourland would then face Gilberto Rubio twice this year for the first time, in which he would get dropped and pull off a split decision victory by a narrow margin. The rematch was held later this year with the Global Boxing Organization’s light heavyweight title on the line.

Not only did Borland improve upon his performance, but he stopped Rubio in the rematch as he picked up his first stoppage win in over two years. You can see highlights of the fight below.

What is even more impressive is the commitment Bourland makes to himself as he goes out of pocket to finance his own career from strength and conditioning to driving up to two and half hours for sparring. Bourland became a full-time fighter last year as he headed the boxing program at Pro-Faction MMA in Bencia, Ca, leaving a job with good pay and benefits to chase his dream of being a professional prizefighter.

Some cynics might say this award should of gone to Andre Ward, but Andre Ward in my opinion is the best fighter in the world and often awards are developmental tools. Despite two major wins for Ward, I feel Borland coming off a career down year, deserves the nod.