Jake Paul calls out Francis Ngannou as he looks to make a boxing return

Jake Paul is not resting following his Anthony Joshua defeat

Jake Paul (12-2, 7KOs) last took to the ring in December 2025, surviving until the sixth round before he was dispatched - suffering a broken jaw in the process - by Anthony Joshua.

He is now planning his comeback and will be hoping to return to winning ways after suffering just his second defeat as a professional.

However, he certainly doesn't appear to be chasing an easier matchup, with ‘The Problem Child' engaging in a war of words with former UFC heavyweight kingpin Francis Ngannou (0-2), at an MVP press conference earlier in the week.

Calling out Ngannou, Paul labelled the behemoth a ‘duck’ before reminding the MMA star that he survived longer against Joshua in the ring.

"I'm down, I've always been down,” Paul stated.

"You were the option before Anthony Joshua, and you ran like a duck.

"I bet you didn't think I would last longer than you did with Anthony either.

"You know you get worked in boxing. I would love to see us fight someday.”

Ngannou did not sit idly by, admitting that while he had previously remained cordial, his growing frustration makes him ever more eager to get one over Paul in the ring.

"You were just being a small boy, not understanding, being a little disrespectful, and that's why I want to kick your a** now," Ngannou hit back.

"I really didn't want to fight you, but now I want to beat you - so there's a difference.

"Let's do it. That's why I stand by the statement that I want to beat you up.”

Ngannou was seated at the press conference as he prepares to make his MMA return, facing Philipe Lins on the Rousey-Carano bill set for May 16.