Controversial boxing figure Jake Paul appears to be targeting former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou for a potential upcoming bout.
Currently, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is gearing up for a significant event featuring a groundbreaking MMA main event: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. Additionally, Francis Ngannou is slated for his highly anticipated MMA comeback against Philipe Lins in the co-main event.
Even as Ngannou focuses on his return to mixed martial arts, whispers of a boxing match against Paul continue to circulate. The two previously exchanged verbal jabs face-to-face at the initial press conference for the Rousey-Carano event, hinting at a future clash.
These recent exchanges between Paul and Ngannou seem more than mere publicity stunts. What began as a professional relationship in PFL now appears to be evolving into a genuine boxing rivalry.
Jake Paul Hints at Heavyweight Return to ‘Humiliate’ Francis Ngannou
During a recent discussion with Sky Sports Boxing, Paul intensified his rivalry with Ngannou, offering his predictions for how a potential boxing encounter would unfold.
Paul affirmed his commitment to continuing his boxing career, stating, “I’m definitely going to keep on fighting.” He also mentioned the need for his jaw to fully recover. Addressing a “long list of opponents,” Paul singled out Ngannou, remarking on the former UFC champion’s “smack talk.” Paul confidently declared, “I think that’s an easy fight for me. I think he is a terrible boxer.”
He further suggested a potential move back to the heavyweight division, asserting his desire to “knock him out like Joshua did, and render him unconscious.” Paul highlighted his own performance against Anthony Joshua, noting, “He knows I lasted longer than him against Joshua. I didn’t get put out.” He speculated that Ngannou might avoid the fight, fearing “deep down he would not want to get embarrassed.” Paul concluded by calling it “a fun one on the list.”
Interestingly, both Ngannou and Paul’s most recent boxing appearances ended in defeat to the same formidable opponent, Anthony Joshua. Ngannou’s professional boxing record currently stands at 0-2, with previous losses to Tyson Fury and Joshua.
Meanwhile, Paul is still recuperating from a broken jaw sustained during his bout with Joshua, and a definitive timeline for his boxing return has yet to be established.