Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has made it clear: he isn’t all for stepping right into a boxing ring with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, regardless of how large the paycheck is. Paul grew to become extra controversial when he beat Mike Tyson final 12 months.
With uncertainty surrounding Jake Paul’s bout with Gervonta Davis, Ngannou briefly emerged as a possible substitute opponent. But based on the knockout artist himself, that concept did not even make it previous the primary dialog.
Ngannou Turns Down Jake Paul’s Offer Instantly
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Ngannou informed TMZ Sports completely that Paul’s promotion crew, Most Valuable Promotions, reached out after some authorized points put Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ battle in jeopardy. However, the 39-year-old fighter did not entertain the supply.
“I’m like, ‘No bro, come on. Don’t disrespect me like that.”
While MVP reportedly requested if Ngannou would possibly rethink for the proper value, he stood agency, stating that he was not all for preventing Paul, because it made no sense to him.
A Fight That Never Made Sense
Ngannou’s declination shouldn’t be a problem of delight however of logic. The dimension and expertise distinction between him and Jake Paul makes the match very unrealistic. Ngannou stands 6’5″ and weighs in the vicinity of 260 pounds, a world-class heavyweight with a background in both mixed martial arts and professional boxing.
While Francis Ngannou competes in major weight classes, Jake Paul fights in much lower ones, and potential opponent Gervonta Davis competes at 135 pounds, which is a significant difference of 125 pounds. A Paul vs. Ngannou fight would have been physically mismatched and, to Ngannou, pointless.
Ngannou Still Focused on Real Competitors
Since parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou has been carving his path into professional boxing, facing off against elite competition in the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, focusing on the pursuit of legitimate, legacy-defining fights rather than spectacle matchups.
While Jake Paul’s career has been built on crossover bouts to continue his boxing brand, Ngannou’s career arc is rooted in real combat sports legitimacy. The Cameroonian fighter shows that he’s valuing his time and energy for “higher” issues.
Paul’s professional boxing resume is one thing to not be underestimated both. He received over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 5 months in the past.
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