YOUTUBER-turned-boxer Jake Paul has taken aim at Francis Ngannou as he eyes a blockbuster return to the ring.
The American, 29, has called out the elite heavyweight MMA fighter and branded him a “terrible boxer”.
Despite being sparked out in six rounds by Anthony Joshua in December, Paul fancies his chances against the former UFC king.
Speaking at the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano press conference, he said: “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.”
Despite fighting at cruiserweight for most of his six-year pro career, Paul is convinced he would be too much for the Cameroonian.
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He doubled down on his taunts by describing Ngannou, 39, as a “terrible boxer”.
The mixed martial arts star made his boxing debut against legend Tyson Fury in October 2023.
Despite knocking down an out-of-shape Gypsy King in the third round, Ngannou lost the bout by a controversial split decision.
He returned to the ring in March 2024 but was ruthlessly starched in just two rounds by AJ.
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This is the fuel for Paul’s latest outburst, as he bragged: “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.”
However, The Problem Child cast doubt on whether Ngannou would ever sign the contract.
He said: “He maybe wouldn’t do the fight because I think deep down he wouldn’t want to get embarrassed.”
Paul is still recovering from a double broken jaw sustained against Joshua but insists he will “keep on fighting” despite the horror injury.
The social media star needed two titanium plates fitted after the Miami meltdown and is only just returning to training.