Dogli Wilberforce
Jake Paul has returned to the spotlight with another direct callout, this time aimed at Francis Ngannou. In a recent interview, Paul said he would knock out the former UFC heavyweight champion and described him as an “easy fight.” The comments come months after Paul suffered a serious loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2025.
That fight ended in a seventh-round knockout and left Paul with a broken jaw that required surgery. Despite the setback, Paul confirmed he plans to continue boxing and is already naming future opponents. His remarks about Ngannou quickly spread online, drawing renewed attention to a possible crossover fight between the two.
Jake Paul Calls Out Francis Ngannou
Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul made it clear that he is not stepping away from the sport.
“I mean, I’m definitely going to keep on fighting,” he said. “We’ll see how the jaw heals up. I would say, there’s a long list of opponents.”
He then turned his focus to Ngannou.
“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’d maybe want to go back up to heavyweight and knock him out, like Joshua did, and render him unconscious.”
Paul continued his comments by comparing their performances against Joshua.
“He knows I lasted longer than him against Joshua, and didn’t get put out. So I think maybe he wouldn’t do the fight, because deep down he wouldn’t want to get embarrassed.”
He reiterated his stance, saying Ngannou would be an easy opponent for him.
Paul’s Recovery and Return Timeline
Paul has not fought since his loss to Joshua on December 19, 2025. The fight ended with a knockout that resulted in a broken jaw. He required surgery and had titanium plates inserted.
His recovery included a restricted diet and a second procedure in February 2026. During that time, he also attended the Winter Olympics to support his fiancée, Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam.
Despite the injury, Paul has confirmed that he plans to return to the ring once he is fully healed. His recent interview shows he is already looking ahead to future matchups.
Francis Ngannou Responds to the Callout
Ngannou has experience in both MMA and boxing. He faced Tyson Fury in 2023 and later fought Joshua, who stopped him in the second round.
He is now preparing for a return to MMA and is scheduled to compete at a major event in May. The card includes a headline fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Ngannou will fight Philipe Lins.
When asked about Paul’s comments, Ngannou responded briefly.
“I just feel like I need to give him some slaps. That’s how I feel, you know, like slapping him off.”
His response suggests he is aware of the callout, though no fight has been confirmed.
For now, both fighters remain focused on their own schedules. Paul continues his recovery, while Ngannou prepares for his next MMA bout. The exchange has added attention to a possible future matchup, but no official plans have been announced.
