JAKARTA - Jake Paul is pursuing a fight against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to mark his comeback in the boxing world. He also boasted that he would record a knockout (KO) win if the duel came true.
Paul, a YouTube star who has just entered the world of professional boxing, so far has not had a definite date to return to the ring since suffering a defeat against Anthony Joshua in December 2021 in Miami, Florida, USA.
However, in his latest interview with Sky Sport he named Francis Ngannou as a potential opponent. He said that Ngannou is an easy opponent for him so he is optimistic about winning.
"I think he's a bad boxer. I'm going back to the heavyweight to knock him out like Joshua did to him," Paul said.
Ngannou is an elite heavyweight mixed martial artist and has had two professional boxing bouts. Both fights ended in defeat.
He lost a split decision in his first fight against Tyson Fury which lasted 10 rounds, but was knocked out in the second round against Joshua.
Paul said Ngannou was likely hesitant to meet him in the ring even though he is an elite fighter in mixed martial arts.
"Maybe he won't fight because I think deep down he doesn't want to be humiliated. So, I think it's one of the fun things on the list [next fight]," said the 29-year-old fighter.
Paul was able to survive for six of eight rounds when facing former world champion Joshua. He was knocked out and suffered a serious jaw fracture, but is now starting to recover.
Meanwhile, Ngannou has previously confirmed that he will return to fighting in the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena after being absent for 19 months. He will also face Philipe Lins.
The fight, which is scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, United States, will be part of the inaugural card of an MMA event held by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Paul's promoter.
Ngannou last appeared in MMA in October 2024 when he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round. The victory brought him the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title.
He previously left the UFC in January 2023 which was one of the big moments in the MMA world. His popularity increased sharply after that because of his decision to meet Fury and Joshua in the boxing ring.
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