JAKE PAUL has become embroiled in a public war of words with Francis Ngannou following the cancellation of his clash with Gervonta Davis.
The YouTube sensation’s showdown with the WBA lightweight champion, which was due to air on Netflix next Saturday, was
Jake Paul’s showdown with Gervonta Davis was axed this weekendCredit: Getty
Paul tried to secure a short-notice fight with Francis Ngannou but the former UFC champ declinedCredit: PFL
The fight was axed after Davis was sued by ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel, who had made allegations of battery and kidnapping.
and his team frantically searched for a replacement for Davis before scrapping the show entirely.
Former heavyweight champion Ngannou was on a five-man shortlist to replace Davis, which included .
A short-notice showdown with , however, didn’t end up materialising as ‘The Predator’ scoffed at the bout.
And that lit the blue touch paper for a fiery social media row, which was ignited by Paul on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old wrote on X: “Dear Francis – just say you already got humiliated in and are scared to lose to Jake Paul.
“I accept that. You are light work my friend. Stuck in mud.”
It didn’t take long for Paul’s jibe to come to the attention of Ngannou, who replied: “Choose your words wisely, boy.
“I agree that you need someone to discipline you for what you did to , but stay in your lane.”
A fired-up Paul replied: “My lane helped your lane. I spoke up for you over and over again. No more.
“Look at yourself in the mirror. God don’t like ugly.
“Maybe the truth is you are a fake holier than thou actor, when it’s always been just about you.
“Maybe use your platform to speak on the youth of your country (posting a flag ain’t it), instead of doing tmz interviews like a con man to talk about me.
“Reality check…I sleep you in boxing and does in [MMA].”
Ngannou was quick to admit that Paul did speak up for him in the months prior to his stunning departure from the UFC.
But he refused to let Paul’s public slight slide because of his past public advocacy.
Look at yourself in the mirror. God don’t like ugly.”
Jake Paul to Francis Ngannou
Jake Paul has blasted Francis Ngannou for turning down a short-notice fight with himCredit: GETTY
He said: “You did speak up for me in the past, but we are still not in the same lane.
“Grow up and don’t fall so low.”
Ngannou entered the boxing world in October 2023 for a crossover clash with , whom he suffered a split decision defeat to.
He returned to the ring last March for a Riyadh rumble with AJ, who knocked him out in two rounds.
The Cameroonian returned to last October, decimating Brazilian Renan Ferreira in their PFL heavyweight showdown.
Paul’s last outing took place in June and saw him labour to a decision win over former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
