There are still doubts and clarifications about Francis Ngannou’s refusal to face Jake Paul, who ended up fighting Mike Tyson. The reason why his refusal to fight is so striking is because he was going to be paid a large amount of money for an easy fight because Paul is not an experienced fighter.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Ngannou commented that he refused for two reasons. First, because it was going to be an easy fight, lacking the demands for a professional of his level. Secondly, because he considers that measuring himself against someone like Jake takes away credibility and respect.
He called Paul’s team “arrogant,” if not rude, for considering him as an opponent. In his opinion, he finds it incredible that they thought he would be willing to put on such a show after Gervonta Davis canceled his participation in the November 2024 exhibition.
He knows he could have pocketed a significant sum of money to fight Jake, even if the fight lasted a minute, but he preferred to earn respect. He does not want UFC and boxing fans to see him as someone who takes something as serious as contact sports as a joke.
Francis Ngannou was not going to be Jake Paul’s stepping stone
I personally didn’t talk about money, but he was ready to pay. They intended to pay me a good amount of money.
Ngannou also spoke on The Ariel Helwani Show to expand on the reasons for his rejection of the fight with Jake Paul. He was emphatic in mentioning that there was insistence on convincing him. They believed he was going to accept because of the check they offered him. Without saying amounts, he said it was an unimaginable pay.
It wasn’t about the money. I think maybe with this fight, he’s trying to prove that he’s at that level as a fighter. I didn’t see that coming.
The former heavyweight champion is clear: Jake Paul does not represent credibility. He sees him as a celebrity, as an influencer, not as a professional in the contact sport who deserves a chance. Not everything in his life is about money; Ngannou prefers a battle against a worthy opponent in which he even runs the risk of losing.
What’s next for Ngannou?
He confirmed that his stint in the PFL could end sooner than expected. His current contract expires in time for next year’s UFC card at the White House. He hinted that there may be a possibility of fighting Jon Jones.
Yes, that could happen. It’s not certain, but there’s a chance. Anything can happen.
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