Jake Paul has signalled he wants Francis Ngannou as his next opponent as he plans a return to the ring. The YouTuber-turned-professional boxer impressed by lasting into the sixth round against former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December.
Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion who has dabbled in boxing, went the full 10 rounds with Tyson Fury but was stopped in two rounds by Joshua. Paul singled him out as a potential matchup on Sky Sports News.
“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 said.
The pair previously traded barbs at the Rousey vs Carano press conference, which added fuel to the public rivalry. Primarily campaigning at cruiserweight for much of his pro career, Paul said he would be ready to move back up to heavyweight for the bout.
“I think he is a terrible boxer,” Paul added. “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 also suggested Ngannou might be hesitant to agree to the fight. “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 currently recovering from the broken jaw he sustained in the stoppage loss to Joshua but confirmed he intends to keep fighting. “We will see how the jaw continues to heal up. I’m definitely going to keep on fighting.”
Sky Sports will show the Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores card live on Sunday, April 5.