Home Columns Jake Paul responds to Francis Ngannou turning down fight with him

Jake Paul responds to Francis Ngannou turning down fight with him

Ngannou rejects Paul offer

November 4, 2025

Jake Paul has blasted Francis Ngannou for turning down a fight with him Photo Credit: Cris Esqueda / Golden Boy Promotions/Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Jake Paul claimed that Francis Ngannou is afraid of losing to him, after the ex-UFC heavyweight champion turned down an opportunity to replace Gervonta Davis.

Paul and Davis were scheduled to meet in an exhibition next Friday in Miami, live on Netflix.

However, their clash and the entire card was scrapped on Monday after allegations emerged of Davis attacking his ex-girlfriend in a civil lawsuit.

Paul’s company Most Valuable Promotions had been seeking a replacement for ‘Tank’ since the reports came to light, reportedly offering a fight to Ryan Garcia, as well as considering a showdown with undisputed super middleweight champion, Terence Crawford.

Ex-UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou has confirmed reports that he was contacted to step in for Davis, but the 39-year-old insists he has no interest in facing ‘The Problem Child’.

Ngannou has turned down the chance to fight Paul Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“No, there’s no such thing happening,” Ngannou told TMZ Sports.

“Basically, how can they go from Gervonta Davis to Francis Ngannou?

“[But] at this point, for me, it makes no sense.

“Yes, they reached out the other day and told me how they need a replacement for Gervonta, and after I listened, I wasn’t getting it, and I said, ‘OK, what can I do for you?’

“They said, ‘We’re looking for a replacement,’ but I still didn’t get it.

Paul's exhibition with Davis has been cancelled Photo Credit: Esther Lin / Most Valuable Promotions — Paul’s exhibition with Davis has been cancelled Photo Credit: Esther Lin / Most Valuable Promotions

“‘OK, what exactly can I do for you?’ He was like, ‘We are thinking about you to fight Jake to replace Gervonta.’

“‘Which Jake?’ I was so confused. I wasn’t expecting that at all.

“I’m like, ‘No, bro. Come on. Don’t disrespect me like that.’”

The Cameroonian has not boxed since a second round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua last March, just over four months after losing a contentious split decision to Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut.

Joshua erased Ngannou in two rounds Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Paul’s business partner, Nakisa Bidarian has confirmed that the 28-year-old intends to fight before the end of the year.

Paul, who was set to face Davis, the current WBA lightweight champion, in a 200lb catchweight exhibition, appeared to attempt to goad Ngannou into a bout with him on social media on Tuesday.

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.😤 https://t.co/EpBFWrKMjk
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) November 4, 2025

“Dear Francis – just say you already got humiliated in boxing and are scared to lose to Jake Paul,” he posted.

“I accept that. You are light work my friend. Stuck in mud.”

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.”