Following the unexpected cancellation of the highly anticipated fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis, Paul and his team are actively working to assemble a shortlist of potential opponents. The cancellation arose after allegations against Davis prompted Paul's team to initiate an investigation, leading to the entire event being called off. Now, Paul is eyeing a potential return to the ring in December and is exploring various options for his next fight.
In the wake of the canceled bout, Jake Paul has been in discussions with several fighters regarding possible matchups. One notable name that has surfaced is Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion. The two have been trading barbs on social media, particularly after Ngannou expressed feelings of disrespect regarding the fight offer. In response, Ngannou issued a warning to Paul, stating that "The Problem Child" is not on the same trajectory as him.
Besides Ngannou, other fighters like Terence Crawford and Nate Diaz have also been considered. Diaz had initially accepted a fight with Paul, but negotiations did not come to fruition. As the search continues, a surprising addition to the potential opponent list is Andre Ward, a former pound-for-pound king who has been retired for over eight years. Ward, who last fought in 2017, is recognized as one of the greatest boxers of his generation, retiring undefeated with a record of 32-0.
Andre Ward, also known as "Son of God," stepped away from boxing after his decisive victory over Sergey Kovalev, where he secured a knockout in the eighth round. His decision to retire was influenced by the physical toll the sport took on his body. In a heartfelt message to his fans, Ward stated, "I want to be clear – I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigors of the sport and therefore, my desire is no longer there."
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Ward has any intentions of making a comeback. However, given his age and previous accomplishments, he fits the mold of a typical Jake Paul opponent, which often includes seasoned fighters looking to re-enter the spotlight. The dynamic landscape of boxing continues to evolve, and fans eagerly await the announcement of who Paul will face next.
