Copyright Heavy.
Jake Paul has found himself at the center of combat sports drama, this time involving Francis Ngannou. The issue started soon after Paul’s exhibition fight with Gervonta Davis was canceled. Searching for an opponent, he turned to the former UFC heavyweight champion. Their exchange quickly caught the attention of fight fans. Many wondered if the two might be sparking interest in a boxing bout. Paul mocked Ngannou’s knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in his previous boxing bout. He also accused the former UFC heavyweight champion of avoiding him because he feared losing again. “Dear Francis, just say you already got humiliated in boxing and are scared to lose to Jake Paul. I accept that,” Paul wrote on X. “You are light work my friend. Stuck in mud.” Ngannou didn’t let the jab slide. He responded by issuing a strong warning to Paul. “Choose your words wisely boy,” Ngannou wrote on X. “I agree that you need someone to discipline you for what you did to Mike Tyson, but stay in your lane. It’s unclear whether Paul and Ngannou are building more interest in a future fight. Both are under contract with PFL, the boxing fight could happen without any major obstacles. Jake Paul Fires Back at Francis Ngnnaou for ‘Stay In Your Lane’ Remark Paul didn’t stay quiet for too long. After Ngannou told him to ‘stay in your lane,’ he clapped back once again. ‘The Problem Child’ said ‘The Predator’s response felt hypocritical, especially since he previously supported him. “My lane helped your lane. I spoke up for you over and over again. No more. Look at yourself in the mirror,” Paul wrote on X. “God don’t like ugly. Maybe the truth is you are fake holier than thou actor, when it’s always been just about you.” Paul urged Ngannou to use his fame more responsibly. He criticized him for not doing enough for his home country despite his platform and success. ‘The Problem Child’ expressed confidence that he would win a boxing fight. “Maybe use your platform to speak on the youth in your country (posting a flag ain’t it), instead of doing TMZ interviews like a con man to talk about me,” he wrote. “Reality check, I sleep you in boxing and Jon Jones does in [MMA].” Ngannou Says Offer to Fight Paul Was Disrespectful Ngannou expressed disappointment after Paul’s team asked him to replace Davis. The Paul vs. Davis fight was set for Nov. 14 on Netflix. Ngannou admitted he didn’t expect the offer and was caught off guard. He didn’t realize Paul’s team wanted him to replace Davis and said it didn’t make any sense. “How can they go from Gervonta Davis to Francis Ngannou? It makes no sense. Nakisa [Bidarian] reached out the other day and told me how they need a replacement for Gervonta,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports. “I was so confused. I’m like, ‘No, bro, c’mon.’ Don’t disrespect me like that.” Ngannou revealed that he wasn’t tempted by the proposed payout either. He added: “He sent out some number. I’m like, ‘It’s not about the number. I’m not interested. It makes no sense for me.’ I think it’s disrespectful instead, what flattering? C’mon.”
