Jake Paul has launched a scathing attack on Francis Ngannou after the former UFC champion declined to step in as a replacement for Gervonta Davis.
Paul was scheduled to face Davis next week, but the fight was called off. The YouTuber-turned-boxer now aims to return to the ring in December, but he is having difficulty securing an opponent.
While Terence Crawford, Anthony Joshua, and Nate Diaz have all been mentioned as potential opponents, Ngannou has turned down an offer despite not having competed for over a year. Any fight against Paul would be a lucrative opportunity, but Ngannou isn’t interested.
His recent boxing appearances saw him knock down Tyson Fury before losing on points, followed by a knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
Paul took to social media to slam the MMA fighter. “Dear Francis – just say you already got humiliated in boxing and are scared to lose to Jake Paul. I accept that. You are light work my friend. Stuck in mud,” he wrote.
But Ngannou replied: “Choose your words wisely boy. I agree that you need someone to discipline you for what you did to Mike Tyson, but stay in your lane.”
Paul hit back: “My lane helped your lane. I spoke up for you over and over again. No more. Look at yourself in the mirror. God don’t like ugly. Maybe the truth is you are a fake holier than thou actor, when it’s always been just about you.
“Maybe use your platform to speak on the youth of your country (posting a flag ain’t it), instead of doing TMZ interviews like a con man to talk about me. Reality check… I sleep you in boxing and Jon Jones does in [MMA].”
Ngannou stated: “You did speak up for me in the past, but we are still not in the same lane. Grow up and don’t fall so low.”
In a previous interview with TMZ, Ngannou explained why he had turned down the fight.
He said: “I’m like, ‘No bro, come on.’ I mean, don’t disrespect me like that. If it was about the number, I would have tell you. I’m just not interested, it makes no sense for me. It’s not what I’m looking at right now. The fight makes no sense. That’s what I think, that’s my position.”
On the other hand, Diaz did agree to a bout with Paul after having already faced off against the YouTuber in 2023. However, Paul later revealed that a deal could not be reached for the fight, which would have been aired on Netflix.
“It isn’t meant to be, but respect for willing to step up on two weeks notice,” he said.
