“He’s a Terrible Boxer” – Jake Paul Sets Sight on Francis Ngannou for Next Outing

Jake Paul once again takes shots at former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and positions the Cameroonian as his next opponent.

“He’s a Terrible Boxer” – Jake Paul Sets Sight on Francis Ngannou for Next Outing

Jake Paul calls out Francis Ngannou (via Bleacher Report, SCMP)

In Short
  • Jake Paul is targeting a fight against Francis Ngannou, claiming it would be an easy matchup.
  • Ngannou recently lost his boxing debut to Tyson Fury and was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in his second fight.
  • The relationship between Paul and Ngannou has soured after a callout, despite their previous mutual respect and shared advocacy for fighter pay.

While Jake Paul has steadily built his boxing career by taking on fighters in high-profile superfights, questions still remain about his opposition. He is yet to secure a win over an established star boxer or consistently face elite competition. Even so, Paul has emerged as one of the sport’s biggest draws. The influencer-turned-boxer has now shifted focus toward former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou made his professional boxing debut in October 2023 against Tyson Fury, scoring a knockdown before losing via split decision. He returned in March 2024 to face Anthony Joshua and was knocked out in the second round. Both bouts were held under standard professional boxing rules against top heavyweights. The Cameroonian heavyweight is currently a free agent following his release from the PFL.

Paul has experience facing heavier opponents, continuing his trend of taking on larger fighters. He most recently faced Anthony Joshua in December 2025, holding his own early but struggling with the British heavyweight’s pressure. The bout ended in a sixth-round knockout loss, marking a setback in his progression. That experience has fueled his confidence that he can beat Ngannou in a potential matchup.

I wouldn’t say there’s a long list (for his next opponent).I think most recently, Francis Ngannou was talking a lot of smack, I think that’s an easy fight for me, I think he’s a terrible boxer. I’ll go back up to heavyweight and knock him out like Joshua did, render him unconscious.

Jake Paul via Sky Sports Boxing

These comments from Paul about Ngannou come as a surprise, given their previously respectful dynamic. The two had spoken highly of each other as they navigated crossover paths between MMA and boxing. Both fighters have also advocated for improved fighter pay and fair compensation across combat sports. Their shared stance had earlier positioned them on common ground despite competing ambitions.

Things began to sour after Paul called out Ngannou following the collapse of a planned bout with Gervonta Davis. The Cameroonian heavyweight responded strongly, expressing dissatisfaction with the timing of the callout. That exchange marked a turning point in their relationship, which deteriorated afterward. However, Paul later indicated his intention was to create a lucrative opportunity for Ngannou.

Interestingly, Francis Ngannou is now set to return to MMA with an upcoming bout against Philipe Lins under Most Valuable Promotions’ MMA venture, co-owned by Jake Paul. It remains to be seen if ‘The Predator’ eventually faces Paul after this challenge, as their rivalry continues to build. The two have already traded verbal jabs and challenges during the inaugural MVP MMA press conference.

Jake Paul reveals how he earned his first paycheck

Before entering boxing, Jake Paul gained fame as a social media personality through short‑form videos. He first rose to attention on Vine in 2013, where his six‑second clips attracted millions of followers. After Vine shut down in 2017, he continued growing his audience on YouTube, posting daily vlogs and pranks. These early experiences helped him develop skills in audience engagement and personal branding.

Jake Paul
Jake Paul (via MMA Mania)

Paul then rapidly expanded into entertainment, starring on the Disney Channel sitcom Bizaardvark and co-founding social media group Team 10 to produce content and merchandise. On YouTube, he competed with his brother Logan Paul, creating a rivalry that boosted both channels. These experiences shaped his early career and set the stage for his reflections on his first earnings.

I made like $400 when I was 16 off of a Vine post. They paid me $400 on this app to promote a game, it was called like Bubble Jump or something, for making a six second video. I thought I was like the richest person ever. I went right to the mall, bought some LeBron Christmas edition shoes and then this big watch. Then I didn’t have any money after that. I was down to zero.

Jake Paul via The ICH Podcast

Jake Paul’s financial profile has grown through his entertainment and boxing career. He earned up to $92 million from his Netflix‑streamed bout against Anthony Joshua, one of the largest purses in modern boxing. That payday helped fund his $40 million Georgia ranch, covering 6,000 acres with roads and water. As of 2026, his $200 million net worth reflects success across sports, media, and business.

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