UFC Hall of Famer and former two-division champion Daniel Cormier believes Jake Paul acted recklessly by insulting Francis Ngannou while calling him out for a fight.
Jake Paul gets in there with Francis, Francis will knock his head off this planet. You don’t want those Francis problems. I don’t care that you’re a boxer. I watched Francis put down Tyson Fury. Sure, Anthony Joshua beat him, but even if Jake got power, I don’t think he’s got the power to be dealing with Francis. It only takes one to land, and he’s going to put you out.
Paul was originally scheduled to face WBA champion Gervonta Davis on November 15 in Miami, but Davis withdrew amid assault allegations involving a waitress. Paul’s team then approached Ngannou to replace Davis, but the Cameroonian heavyweight dismissed the offer as disrespectful. Paul later claimed Ngannou was simply afraid of losing to him, citing Ngannou’s previous “humiliation” in the boxing ring.
Ngannou’s most recent boxing bout took place in March 2024, when he was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in the second round. In October 2023, he lost a split decision to Tyson Fury.
Paul last fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June of this year in Anaheim, winning by unanimous decision. His professional boxing record stands at 12 wins (7 by knockout) and 1 loss.
