New York: Jake Paul has fired back at former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, branding him an “idiot” after claiming the MMA star turned down an offer for a boxing showdown.
Paul is gearing up for his next sanctioned bout on December 19 in Miami, where he will face Joshua in an eight-round contest using 10oz gloves. The matchup was finalised after Paul’s scheduled fight with Gervonta Davis on November 14 was cancelled following new domestic abuse allegations against the WBA lightweight champion.
Before sealing the Joshua deal, Paul’s team compiled a shortlist of potential opponents — and Ngannou was reportedly among them. However, Paul says Ngannou rejected the proposal, prompting a sharp response from the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
“I just thought he’s an idiot. Like, what are you doing?” Paul said. “If you’re so confident and feel disrespected, and if all this bad publicity is bothering you, this was your chance to correct it and stop me.”
Paul didn’t hold back, accusing Ngannou of disrespecting boxing legend Mike Tyson by invoking his name in criticism of Paul’s career and matchups.
“He’s basically talking trash to Mike Tyson for fighting me. Francis, you’re nowhere near the legend, and you never will be,” Paul added. “You’re saying it’s disrespectful to get in the ring? Thank you — after this fight, you’re going to have a new name: the big upset, baby.”
The blockbuster clash between Paul and Joshua is expected to generate enormous revenue, with reports suggesting a £140 million total purse, split evenly at £70 million per fighter.
