Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights beyond the confines of the octagon and is taking a bold step into the world of professional boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not content with the laurels of his mixed martial arts achievements and is instead eyeing the squared circle where he aims to make an impact against some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing.
Upcoming Challenge Against Anthony Joshua
Ngannou is gearing up for what could be one of the most anticipated crossovers in combat sports history as he prepares to face off against Anthony Joshua. This move comes after expressing his desire to compete against top-tier boxers, indicating a new chapter in his fighting career. Joshua, a former heavyweight champion himself, has rebounded from previous setbacks with three consecutive victories since his pair of losses to Oleksandr Usyk, demonstrating his resilience and continued prowess in the ring.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
In a testament to his boxing capabilities, Ngannou has already showcased his potential by nearly securing a win in a non-title match against none other than Tyson Fury, one of boxing's elite. This performance has only fueled Ngannou's ambition as he continues to pursue high-caliber opponents within the sport.
The Desire to Face Deontay Wilder
Among the list of desired opponents, Deontay Wilder stands out as a significant target for Ngannou. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record of 42 knockout wins speaks volumes about his power—a trait that Ngannou respects and seeks to challenge. With both fighters known for their devastating striking abilities, a match between them would certainly capture the attention of fight fans around the globe.
Ngannou's MMA Legacy and PFL Signing
Reflecting on his mixed martial arts career, Ngannou has achieved what many fighters dream of. In 2021, he claimed the UFC heavyweight title and successfully defended it against Ciryl Gane, cementing his status as one of the premier athletes in the sport. However, despite his success in MMA, Ngannou has expressed a yearning for new challenges, leading him to explore opportunities in boxing.
Adding to the intrigue, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), although he has yet to debut in their competition. The possibility of Ngannou facing Wilder under the PFL banner was discussed, highlighting the dynamic nature of combat sports where matchups can materialize in various promotions, offering unique opportunities for fighters.
Ngannou's Ambition and Outlook
Ngannou's transition marks a pivotal moment as he leaves behind a storied MMA career to embark on a journey in professional boxing. His ambitions are clear as he sets his sights on the likes of Fury, Joshua, and Wilder. "I'm here for the boxing career, and there I have a lot of challenges, a lot of names," Ngannou stated, emphasizing his commitment to this new endeavor.
He further distanced himself from his MMA past, underscoring the focus on his future in boxing: "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." This statement reflects a definitive shift in his professional aspirations, aligning his identity more with the world of boxing rather than mixed martial arts.
With a sense of determination, Ngannou addressed Wilder directly, saying, "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." Such words echo the competitive spirit that drove him to the pinnacle of MMA and now fuels his pursuit of boxing greatness.
Despite having reached the summit of MMA by becoming champion, Ngannou sees his future elsewhere. "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," he explained, signaling his readiness to leave the familiar territory of the UFC for the uncharted waters of boxing.
As the combat sports landscape continues to evolve, Ngannou remains open to all possibilities, including a potential showdown with Wilder in the PFL. "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 remarked, keeping the door open for a variety of intriguing matchups across different platforms.
As Francis Ngannou embarks