In a recent interview with Sportsbook Review, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou offered his insights into the possibility of a boxing match between social media star Jake Paul and Mexican boxing legend Canelo Alvarez. While acknowledging Paul's development as a boxer, Ngannou emphasized the significant skill disparity between the two fighters. He highlighted the substantial weight difference as a potential advantage for Paul but doubted it would compensate for the experience gap.
Ngannou, who is now the PFL Superfight Champion, expressed that Paul has indeed evolved into a credible boxer over time. However, he firmly believes that Paul still lags behind in terms of skill compared to Alvarez. The champion stressed the importance of considering weight classes when evaluating the potential matchup. He suggested that while the weight difference might give Paul an edge, it wouldn't be enough to level the playing field.
Furthermore, Ngannou pointed out that Paul is still relatively new to professional boxing and should face opponents at a similar stage in their careers. This approach ensures a fair contest and allows Paul to grow gradually within the sport. Ngannou also humorously dismissed the idea of facing Paul himself, suggesting that such a bout would be impractical. Instead, he proposed that if both Paul brothers were involved, it might make for an interesting spectacle.
The champion remains supportive of athletes exploring both MMA and boxing, advocating for matches that pair fighters with comparable levels of experience. By doing so, he believes it promotes fairness and helps athletes develop properly in their chosen disciplines.
Ultimately, Ngannou's comments underscore the complexities involved in crossover fights. While Paul has made strides in boxing, the challenge posed by a seasoned fighter like Alvarez highlights the importance of matching opponents appropriately. Ngannou's perspective provides valuable insight into the dynamics of such matchups and the need for balanced competition in combat sports.