Jake Paul targets cruiserweight return or Francis Ngannou fight

Jake Paul is planning a cruiserweight return before the end of 2026 but has left the door open for a heavyweight clash with Francis Ngannou, according to his business partner at Most Valuable Promotions.

Paul has been sidelined since December, when Anthony Joshua stopped him in six rounds and broke his jaw. The loss knocked the 29-year-old out of the WBA's cruiserweight rankings. Nakisa Bidarian told BBC Sport that Paul has recently returned to the gym with his boxing coach and is eyeing a comeback at 200 pounds. "I think his focus is on cruiserweight, outside of a potential boxing match against Francis Ngannou," Bidarian said. "His goal is to return before year-end."

What a Ngannou fight would mean for Paul's comeback

Paul has targeted the former UFC heavyweight champion because of Ngannou's boxing resumé — losses to Tyson Fury in 2023 and Joshua in 2024. The two exchanged barbs at a March press conference in Los Angeles, where Paul accused Ngannou of running from him "like a duck". Ngannou, who fights Philipe Lins on the undercard of Ronda Rousey's MMA return on 16 May, fired back: "I really didn't want to fight you, but now I want to beat you."

Paul needed titanium plates fitted and teeth removed after the Joshua bout, which handed him the second defeat of his professional career. Bidarian said Paul has been doing consistent gym work again and confirmed that an MMA fight with either Nate Diaz or Mike Perry is also under consideration. Paul holds boxing wins over both men but has called for an MMA rematch with Diaz, who faces Perry on the Rousey card.

Bidarian said Paul would need six to eight months of dedicated MMA training, leaning on his high school wrestling background, though jiu-jitsu remains a gap. The winner of Diaz-Perry would be "a great MMA match-up" if Paul decides to cross over, Bidarian added.

Source: bbc.com