‘He’s a Terrible Boxer’: Jake Paul Targets Francis Ngannou...
‘He’s a Terrible Boxer’: Jake Paul Targets Francis Ngannou for Heavyweight Return
LOS ANGELES — Fresh off a recovery from a shattered jaw, Jake Paul has set his sights on the most intimidating man in combat sports. In a series of provocative statements this week, the YouTuber-turned-prizefighter officially challenged former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, claiming he will "render him unconscious" just as Anthony Joshua did.
The call-out follows a tumultuous few months for Paul, 29, who has been sidelined since his brutal sixth-round knockout loss to Joshua in December 2025. That fight left Paul with a fractured jaw that required two separate surgeries, the most recent being just last month however, the "Problem Child" appears undeterred by the physical toll of competing in the heavyweight division.
“An Easy Fight for Me”
Speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday 23rd March Paul didn't mince words regarding Ngannou’s boxing acumen. Despite Ngannou’s legendary power and his competitive split-decision loss to Tyson Fury in 2023, Paul categorized the Cameroonian "Predator" as a fundamental mismatch.
“I think he is a terrible boxer,” Paul said. “I’ll go back up to heavyweight and knock him out like Joshua did. He knows I lasted longer than him against Joshua. I didn’t get put out.”
Paul’s jab refers to the fact that while he lasted until the sixth round against Joshua, Ngannou was famously folded in just two rounds by the same opponent in March 2024.
The MVP Connection
The potential bout carries a unique promotional layer. Ngannou recently signed a landmark deal with Paul’s own Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) following his release from the PFL. The deal effectively makes Paul both Ngannou’s potential opponent and his promoter.
Ngannou is currently scheduled to make his MMA return on a massive MVP-produced Netflix card on 16th May 2026, where he will face Philipe Lins. That event, headlined by the historic Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano clash, is being billed as the biggest combat sports event of the year.
Tale of the Tape - Potential Matchup
| Feature | Jake Paul | Francis Ngannou |
| Record (Boxing) | 10–2 (7 KOs) | 0–2 |
| Height | 6'1" | 6'4" |
| Natural Weight | Cruiserweight (200 lbs) | Heavyweight (270+ lbs) |
| Last Outing | KO Loss (Anthony Joshua) | KO Win (Renan Ferreira - MMA) |
| Status | Recovering from broken jaw | Training for May 16 MMA return |
Ngannou Fires Back
While Ngannou initially ignored Paul’s barbs, the tone shifted during a press conference for the May 16 card. “The Predator” admitted that Paul’s "disrespect" has made the fight personal.
“I just feel like I need to give him some slaps,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports on Tuesday. “He was just being a small boy, not understanding... I really didn’t want to fight you, but now I want to beat you. There is a difference.”
Ngannou also dismissed Paul’s claims that he "ran like a duck" from a previous offer, stating he simply didn't take the influencer's boxing aspirations seriously at the time.
The Road to Recovery
Despite the verbal fireworks, a date for the fight remains far off. Paul revealed he still cannot begin sparring for at least four to six months while the screws and plates in his jaw settle.
“We will see how the jaw continues to heal up,” Paul noted. “But I’m definitely going to keep on fighting.”
With Ngannou focused on his MMA "reclamation" in May and Paul stuck in rehab until late summer, fans likely won't see this heavyweight collision until late 2026 or early 2027. However, with both men now under the same promotional banner, the path to the ring has never been clearer.
