Francis Ngannou has admitted that a fight with Jake Paul is firmly in his plans after the YouTube star invited him to a boxing match.
Paul’s promotional company, MVP, is planning Ngannou’s big MMA match against Phillip Lince on May 16th, and “Problem Child” grabbed the microphone at the press conference announcing the event and issued a verbal challenge to the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Ngannou admits he had not previously considered Paul as a future opponent, but now expects to return to boxing for the grudge fight.
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Jake Paul has told Sky Sports that he wants a fight against Francis Ngannou as his comeback fight after losing to Anthony Joshua.
“At first I wasn’t that excited (to play against him),” Ngannou told Sky Sports News.
“I hadn’t considered it, but I think we’ll have to deal with him at some point.
“If I say so myself, I guess I can kick his ass.”
Ngannou returned to mixed martial arts after a second-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in 2024, while Paul is recovering from a broken jaw in a sixth-round stoppage loss to Joshua in December.
“Obviously (I respect him as a boxer),” said Ngannou, who will face Linds in the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano bout at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
“I’ve been following his career closely from the beginning, because at first no one believed in him. And I think he proved to everyone that he was serious.”
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Jake Paul provokes furious reaction from Francis Ngannou at Rousey vs. Carano press conference Credit: Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix
“The fight between AJ and Fury is in Fury’s favor.”
Ngannou also shared the ring with Tyson Fury, dropping him in three rounds before losing on a controversial points decision.
Fury and Joshua are expected to finally meet this year, with Ngannou closing in on one of his former opponents for victory.
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“We’ve been waiting for that match for almost 10 years and it’s finally here,” Ngannou said.
“At this level, I think it’s pretty close, anyone can win.
“It depends on how the fight goes. If I go to a decision, I think I will choose Fury.
“If it’s a knockout, I think Joshua has an early chance. But I think the fight is in Fury’s favor.”
