Francis Ngannou's Boxing Ambitions
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights beyond the confines of the octagon and is gearing up for a significant career shift into the world of boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not shying away from challenging some of the most prominent figures in the sport.
Ngannou has already made waves with his announcement to transition into boxing, expressing an eagerness to take on top-tier boxers. His ambition is underscored by an upcoming match with none other than Anthony Joshua, a heavyweight titan in his own right. Joshua comes off a series of victories, having won three fights since his back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.
The Cameroonian fighter's near victory over Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match has only added to the anticipation surrounding his move to boxing. While he did not emerge victorious, the performance showcased Ngannou's potential within the squared circle, hinting at thrilling matchups that could await fight fans.
Desire for High-Profile Opponents
Ngannou's list of desired opponents reads like a who's who of boxing heavyweights. "I'm here for the boxing career, and there I have a lot of challenges, a lot of names. For example, the top three guys that I've always had are Fury, Joshua, and Wilder," he stated, signaling his intent to go toe-to-toe with the best in the industry.
His aspirations don't stop there, as Ngannou has also expressed a strong desire to fight Deontay Wilder, a knockout artist with an impressive record of 42 KO wins. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, the potential matchup between him and Ngannou is one that would certainly capture the attention of combat sports enthusiasts around the globe.
"Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record," Ngannou proclaimed, highlighting his determination to secure a bout with the American heavyweight.
A Champion's Journey
Ngannou's journey through the ranks of mixed martial arts was nothing short of spectacular. In 2021, he reached the pinnacle of MMA by capturing the UFC heavyweight title, a feat that cemented his status as one of the sport's elite competitors. He went on to defend his title against Ciryl Gane, further solidifying his legacy within the UFC.
However, despite his success, Ngannou felt compelled to seek new horizons: "In my MMA career, I got to the point that is everyone's dream. I was MMA champion. There are some great fights to do in MMA, but there's not a new challenge, something exciting in MMA." This sentiment underscores his decision to pivot towards boxing, where he believes fresh challenges and excitement await.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) Signing
Intriguingly, Ngannou has also inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), though he has yet to step into their ring. The PFL, known for its regular season, playoffs, and championship format, represents another avenue through which Ngannou could potentially make his mark.
The possibility of a fight between Ngannou and Wilder under the PFL banner was discussed just two months ago, indicating that the organization could play host to this highly anticipated clash. "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible," Ngannou reflected, acknowledging the ever-evolving nature of combat sports and the opportunities it presents.
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this new chapter of his combat sports career, the eyes of the world will be watching with bated breath. Whether he faces Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, or any other heavyweight luminary, one thing is certain: Ngannou's presence in the boxing ring promises to bring the same level of intensity and spectacle that characterized his tenure in mixed martial arts.