Francis Ngannou's Boxing Ambitions
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, is charting a new course in his combat sports career. At 37 years of age, Ngannou has set his sights on the world of boxing, eager to test his mettle against some of the sport's most renowned fighters.
A New Challenge in the Ring
The Cameroonian powerhouse has already made waves with his announcement to transition from the octagon to the squared circle. Known for his devastating punching power in MMA, Ngannou is now poised to face Anthony Joshua, a prominent figure in heavyweight boxing. This matchup signals Ngannou's commitment to making a significant impact in the boxing scene.
Anthony Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, has been on a path of redemption with three victories following back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk. A bout with Ngannou not only adds an intriguing chapter to Joshua's career but also serves as a litmus test for Ngannou's boxing prowess.
Close Call with Tyson Fury
Ngannou has already had a taste of high-level boxing competition, having narrowly missed victory in a non-title bout against Tyson Fury, one of the sport's top-tier heavyweights. This experience has undoubtedly fueled his desire to conquer this new arena and solidify his place among boxing elites.
The Quest for Wilder
Among the list of desired opponents, Deontay Wilder stands out as a target for Ngannou. Wilder, despite a loss to Joseph Parker, boasts an impressive record with 42 knockouts to his name. Ngannou's determination to add Wilder to his fighting resume underscores his ambition to be recognized as a serious contender in boxing.
UFC Legacy and Beyond
Francis Ngannou's tenure in the UFC was nothing short of remarkable. He captured the heavyweight title in 2021 and successfully defended it against Ciryl Gane, cementing his status as a dominant force in MMA. However, Ngannou believes he has reached the pinnacle of what the sport could offer him, prompting his switch to pursue new challenges in the realm of professional boxing.
Although Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to make his debut in the organization. Speculation about a potential fight with Wilder under the PFL banner has added an exciting dimension to Ngannou's career prospects, demonstrating the fluidity and unpredictability of combat sports matchmaking.
Ngannou's Perspective on His Boxing Career
In reflecting on his career trajectory, Ngannou has expressed a clear distinction between his past accomplishments in MMA and his future aspirations in boxing. "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," Ngannou stated, highlighting his focus on reaching the apex of another combat sport.
Further emphasizing his dedication to boxing, Ngannou remarked, "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." Such statements reveal his unwavering commitment to achieving greatness within the boxing ring.
Regarding Wilder, Ngannou has issued a bold message: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." This sentiment showcases Ngannou's competitive spirit and his drive to face the best in the business.
Reflecting on his MMA achievements, Ngannou shared, "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." These words encapsulate his desire for fresh endeavors and the pursuit of uncharted territory in his athletic journey.
With the landscape of combat sports ever-evolving, Ngannou remains open to all possibilities, including those within 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," he said, acknowledging the dynamic nature of the industry.
As Francis Ngannou continues to prepare for his upcoming foray into boxing, the sports world watches with bated breath. Will he replicate his success from the UFC in the boxing ring? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Ngannou's ambition and fearlessness will make for compelling