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Francis Ngannou could be the next man to face Jake Paul as the YouTuber-turned-boxer scrambles for a replacement after Gervonta Davis’ legal troubles threw their fight into limbo. The November 14 Netflix exhibition is now uncertain, and Paul’s team has reportedly begun reaching out to new opponents across both boxing and MMA.Ngannou headlines a four-man shortlist that also includes Nate Diaz, Terence Crawford, and Ryan Garcia. The former UFC heavyweight champion hasn’t fought since knocking out Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut last October. Before that, he went on a mixed boxing run that saw him floor Tyson Fury before being stopped by Anthony Joshua.Senior inside for Ring Magazine, Mike Coppinger, took to X and wrote:"Two other names being explored: Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz."He also wrote:"As @SIChrisMannix reported, Jake Paul’s return could shift to December with the Nov. 14 Netflix exhibition in jeopardy due to the latest allegations against Gervonta Davis. Sources tell @ringmagazine that Dec. 12 and 19 are possibilities. And as Mannix said, Garcia and Terence Crawford were both approached."Check out the X post below:Diaz, who previously lost to Paul in August 2023, is 1-1 in boxing and recently beat Jorge Masvidal, calling for a rematch with the social media star. Crawford and Garcia were initially approached, but Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, ruled him out due to broadcast restrictions between DAZN and Netflix.With Davis’ lawsuit putting the original matchup seemingly on hold, Paul’s promotion is considering shifting the event to December to secure a new name.When Francis Ngannou shut down the idea of a potential clash against Jake PaulFrancis Ngannou has previously shut down the idea of a fight against Jake Paul with a blunt message. The former UFC heavyweight champion made it clear he has no interest in facing the YouTuber-turned-boxer, and called such a matchup beneath his level.Ngannou, now the PFL Super Fights heavyweight titleholder, has already faced elite opposition in both MMA and boxing and sees no value in a spectacle-driven fight. That being said, he also praised Paul's ability to entertain fans and touched upon his clash against Mike Tyson.Speaking in an interview with TMZ Sports, he said:"Come on, like, respect me a little bit. If this is not entertainment, I do not know what you are looking for. It was entertaining, whether you like it or not. There was a curiosity to see Mike Tyson at this age. Can he stand? Can he, can he? And they did entertain."
