Jake Paul is setting his sights on a former opponent of Anthony Joshua for his next fight, marking his return to the boxing ring after a setback.
After facing the formidable two-time heavyweight champion from the UK, Joshua, the 28-year-old American influencer and boxer experienced a significant reality check. In their highly publicized match, which was anything but ordinary, Paul managed to endure six full rounds before succumbing to a devastating knockout.
Both fighters accepted this bout on relatively short notice, following the cancellation of an exhibition match that Paul was scheduled to have with Gervonta Davis. While Joshua landed this lucrative opportunity, other notable fighters such as Francis Ngannou—who suffered a loss to Joshua in just two rounds—and Terence Crawford were also considered for the event.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Impaulsive, Paul expressed that Ngannou remains a potential opponent he is interested in facing. "I told everyone I would perform better than Francis, suggesting he doesn’t have the best chin. I think he’s a bit soft… I’d be up for fighting Francis. It sounds like a solid idea, and maybe he’ll be willing to consider it now," Paul stated.
Since his match against Joshua in March 2024, Ngannou has only participated in one MMA fight and previously rejected the chance to go up against Paul, labeling the offer as ‘insulting.’ His objection wasn't due to financial reasons; rather, he was displeased at being viewed as a substitute for the much smaller Davis, affectionately nicknamed 'Tank.'
In contrast, Joshua had no qualms about signing the contract, leaving Paul in a challenging position. Despite his ambitions to make a comeback in 2026, many insiders in the boxing community are skeptical about his future. They point to the serious injury he sustained—a broken jaw requiring surgery—which raises questions about whether he will be able to continue his career in the sport.
The world of boxing is filled with unexpected twists, and as Paul navigates his way through setbacks and potential matchups, fans are left wondering: Will he bounce back stronger, or is this the beginning of the end for his boxing aspirations? Share your thoughts below!
