Jake Paul is aiming to return to the ring with a possible bout against Francis Ngannou next. The YouTuber-turned-professional boxer surprised many when he fought former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December and lasted into the sixth round.
Ngannou, a top-level heavyweight mixed martial artist and former UFC champion, has also stepped into boxing. He pushed Tyson Fury across a full 10 rounds but was stopped in two rounds by Joshua.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a long list of opponents [for his next fight]. I think most recently Francis Ngannou was talking a lot of smack. He is an easy fight for me,” Paul told Sky Sports News.
Paul provoked a heated response from Ngannou when they exchanged words at the Rousey vs Carano press conference.
Primarily a cruiserweight for most of his pro career, Paul said he’s willing to go back up to heavyweight. “I think he is a terrible boxer,” he said of Ngannou. “I’ll go back up to heavyweight and knock him out like Joshua did, render him unconscious. He knows I lasted longer than him against Joshua. I didn’t get put out.”
Paul suggested Ngannou might be reluctant to accept a boxing match. “He maybe wouldn’t do the fight because I think deep down he wouldn’t want to get embarrassed,” Paul said. “So to me that’s a fun one on the list.”
Paul is recovering from the broken jaw he suffered in the stoppage loss to Joshua but confirmed he plans to continue fighting. “We will see how the jaw continues to heal up. I’m definitely going to keep on fighting.”
Watch the Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores bill live on Sky Sports on Sunday April 5.