Jake Paul is once again testing the waters of the heavyweight division, this time targeting former UFC champion Francis Ngannou with a series of verbal volleys that have set social media alight. The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter, who has made a career out of disrupting traditional boxing hierarchies, recently dismissed Ngannou’s pugilistic skills as “terrible” before promising to replicate the clinical knockout finish Anthony Joshua achieved against the Cameroonian last year.
The callout comes at a curious time for both men. While Paul has been working his way through a mix of retired MMA legends and seasoned journeymen, Ngannou remains one of the most physically imposing figures in combat sports, despite his recent setbacks in the ring. By invoking the name of Anthony Joshua, Paul is clearly aiming to position himself alongside the heavyweight elite, even if purists remain skeptical of his ability to compete at that level.
Chasing the Anthony Joshua Blueprint
Paul’s confidence seems to stem from Ngannou’s second professional boxing outing. After a competitive debut against Tyson Fury, where he managed to drop the then-WBC champion, Ngannou was ruthlessly dispatched by Joshua in Riyadh. Joshua’s ability to find the timing and power to “render him unconscious”—to use Paul’s own phrasing—has become the new benchmark for how top-tier boxers handle the MMA crossover star.
But there is a significant gulf between saying it and doing it. Anthony Joshua is a two-time unified heavyweight champion with a lifetime of amateur and professional experience. Paul, weighing in significantly lighter than the 18-stone Ngannou, would be giving up a massive advantage in natural size and raw power. Critics argue that Paul’s comments are less about a genuine desire to fight and more about maintaining his relevance in a sport where visibility is currency.
The Risk and Reward of the 18-Stone Crossover
For Francis Ngannou, a fight with Paul represents a “no-win” scenario in terms of sporting merit, but a massive win in terms of financial logic. Despite being labeled a “terrible boxer” by Paul, Ngannou’s power remains a transformative equalizer. One clean shot from a man of his stature ends most nights early, regardless of how much technical improvement Paul has shown in his recent training camps.
Paul’s strategy has always been to target names that bring massive crossover audiences. Following a period where he has focused on smaller, more technical opponents, a jump to a heavyweight of Ngannou’s proportions would represent his most dangerous physical test to date. Whether the fight actually materializes depends on the ongoing negotiations between Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and the PFL, where Ngannou is currently signed for MMA bouts.
What Lies Ahead for the Heavyweight Division
As the landscape of professional boxing shifts in 2026, the lines between “influencer boxing” and the traditional sport continue to blur. While figures like Rico Verhoeven have sought tests against the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Paul seems content to carve out a niche that prioritizes spectacles. If he can secure a deal with Ngannou, it would likely be one of the most-watched events of the year, regardless of the criticism from the boxing establishment.
The coming months will determine if this is merely another round of social media posturing or the beginning of a legitimate contract negotiation. For now, Paul continues to bark at the biggest names in the sport, betting that his power of personality can bridge the gap between his current standing and the world-class heavyweight level he claims to inhabit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jake Paul actually big enough to fight Francis Ngannou?
On paper, it’s a massive stretch. Ngannou usually tips the scales around the 18-stone mark (approx. 250-260 lbs), while Paul has spent most of his career fighting between 185 and 200 lbs. Paul would likely need to bulk up significantly to avoid being entirely bullied in the clinches, though his speed might be an advantage against the larger man.
Why is Paul comparing himself to Anthony Joshua?
It’s a psychological play. By referencing Joshua’s knockout of Ngannou, Paul is trying to suggest that Ngannou’s chin has been compromised and that the blueprint to beat him is now public knowledge. It’s also a way to get his name mentioned in the same breath as a former unified world champion.
Where could a Paul vs. Ngannou fight take place?
Given the financial requirements for both fighters, a site in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar, would be the most likely destination. These regions have shown a consistent appetite for “mega-event” crossover fights that don’t necessarily follow traditional rankings.
