Francis Ngannou: From UFC Champion to Boxing Contender
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has turned a new page in his combat sports career by transitioning from the octagon to the squared circle. At 37 years of age, Ngannou is not content with resting on his laurels; instead, he is setting his sights on the world of professional boxing, aiming to test his mettle against some of the sport's finest.
A New Challenge in the Ring
Ngannou's ambitions are clear as he prepares for an upcoming boxing match with none other than Anthony Joshua, a titan of heavyweight boxing. This bout comes as a significant step for Ngannou, who has expressed his desire to take on top-tier boxers. Joshua, coming off three victories following his double defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, will provide a stern test for the former MMA champion.
The Cameroonian powerhouse has already made waves in the boxing scene with a near victory over Tyson Fury in a non-title bout. His performance against Fury—a Gypsy King in his own right—has only fueled Ngannou's hunger to solidify his place among boxing elites.
Eyeing Heavyweight Legends
Ngannou's hit list extends beyond Joshua, as he has openly voiced his eagerness to square off with Deontay Wilder, another renowned figure in the heavyweight division. Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power with 42 KOs to his name, recently faced a setback against Joseph Parker. However, this does not deter Ngannou, who relishes the prospect of having Wilder's name etched into his boxing record.
"Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record," Ngannou asserted, signaling his determination to face and overcome the best in the business.
Reflecting on a Storied MMA Career
Looking back at his time in mixed martial arts, Ngannou achieved what many fighters dream of—he became the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021. His reign included a title defense against Ciryl Gane, showcasing his dominance within the sport. Despite such accomplishments, Ngannou felt the call for a fresh challenge, leading him to pursue a boxing career.
"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," Ngannou reflected on his decision to switch disciplines.
Exploring Opportunities with the PFL
Even with his transition to boxing, Ngannou has kept one foot in the realm of mixed martial arts, having signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Although he has yet to debut in the PFL cage, discussions have taken place about a potential fight with Wilder under their banner. The possibility of such a crossover event underscores the fluid nature of combat sports and Ngannou's willingness to entertain various competitive avenues.
"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 stated, acknowledging the ever-changing dynamics of fight promotions and fighter matchups.
Conclusion
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this new chapter of his storied combat sports journey, the eyes of both boxing and MMA enthusiasts will be keenly fixed on his progress. Will he replicate his MMA success in the boxing ring? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Ngannou's drive and ambition remain as fierce as ever. With challenges like Anthony Joshua and the prospect of a showdown with Deontay Wilder, Ngannou's boxing career is poised to be as thrilling as his tenure in the UFC.