Jake Paul has his eyes set on his next opponents.
Fresh off a brutal knockout loss and a broken jaw that’s forced him into an extended spell on the sidelines, the 29-year-old is already looking ahead to what comes next. And if his latest comments are anything to go by, his return won’t be a quiet one.
Paul’s last outing ended in emphatic fashion, stopped in the sixth round by two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The damage was severe, with the American suffering a broken jaw in two places. But despite the setback, there’s no sense of regret from Paul, who walked away from the blockbuster Netflix bout significantly richer, with reports suggesting both fighters earned up to £100million each.
Now, as he recovers, the focus has shifted to his next move – and the list of potential opponents reads like a cross-sport super-fight wish list.
During a sit-down interview with US President Donald Trump, Paul was pressed on his future in combat sports. The conversation quickly turned to who might be waiting for him when he returns.
“So, who do you fight next?” Trump asked, referencing Paul’s clash with Joshua, which he revealed he had watched while aboard Air Force One. “Would you ever fight [Joshua] again?”
Paul didn’t hesitate.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “I need to go and stay at my weight class. Maybe do some MMA – we’re promoting fights now on Netflix; we got Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano.
“Maybe [Oleksandr] Usyk in MMA, Francis Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, maybe Tommy Fury – there’s a lot.”
It’s a revealing list. Four names, four very different challenges.
There’s Oleksandr Usyk, a technically elite heavyweight who has already shown interest in crossing over into MMA. Francis Ngannou, a devastating puncher with unfinished business. Ryan Garcia, a reigning WBC welterweight champion who previously turned down a reported $20m to face Paul. And Tommy Fury – who has previously defeated Jake Paul.
Each option carries its own storyline, but one in particular already feels like it’s gathering momentum.
Ngannou, who recently signed with Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), has made his intentions crystal clear. Appearing at a press conference for the upcoming Rousey vs Carano event, the Cameroonian didn’t hold back.
“You were just being a small boy, not understanding, being a little disrespectful, and that’s why I want to kick your a** now,” Ngannou said.
“I really didn’t want to fight you, but now I want to beat you – so there’s a difference. Let’s do it. That’s why I stand by the statement that I want to beat you up.”
It’s the kind of direct callout that thrives in the modern fight game – and Paul was quick to respond.
Paul said: “I’m down [to fight Ngannou]; I have always been down. You were the option before Anthony Joshua, and you ran like a duck.
“I bet you didn’t think I would last longer than you did with Anthony either, so you just know you get worked in boxing. I would love to see it someday.”
There’s clear tension there, and more importantly, a commercial appeal that fits Paul’s track record of blending sport with spectacle.
Still, it’s not the only path available.
A rematch with Tommy Fury would offer a chance at redemption after suffering his first professional defeat. A clash with Ryan Garcia would bring together two of boxing’s most recognisable modern figures. And a potential MMA showdown with Usyk would push Paul even further into crossover territory.
Even Trump had his own suggestion—one that raised eyebrows.
“Probably Khabib [Nurmagomedov],” he said.
While Paul admitted he’d be open to it, the reality is far less straightforward. Nurmagomedov has been retired for six years and has consistently ruled out any return to competition.
That leaves Paul with a clear pool of realistic options – and plenty of time to decide.
Featured image credit: Tommy Fury / Instagram / Jake Paul / YouTube
