Francis Ngannou: From UFC Champion to Boxing Contender
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has taken a decisive step away from the octagon and into the squared circle. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not content to rest on his laurels; instead, he's setting his sights on the world of professional boxing, with an ambition to square off against some of the sport's elite competitors.
A New Chapter in Combat Sports
Ngannou's transition from mixed martial arts to boxing marks a significant shift in his storied combat sports career. His intentions are clear: to establish himself among the top-tier boxers of the world. A testament to his determination, Ngannou has already secured a bout with none other than Anthony Joshua, a heavyweight titan in his own right. This fight is not just another match for Ngannou—it's a statement of intent, signaling his readiness to take on the best in a new arena.
Anthony Joshua, a household name in boxing, has been on a redemption arc, having won three consecutive fights following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. The matchup between Joshua and Ngannou promises to be a high-stakes confrontation, pitting Joshua's refined boxing prowess against Ngannou's raw power and athleticism.
Brush with Boxing Royalty
Ngannou's boxing ambitions have already seen him come tantalizingly close to glory when he nearly triumphed over Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King himself, in a non-title boxing match. That near-victory has only fueled Ngannou's hunger for success in the boxing world. He has expressed a fervent desire to face Deontay Wilder, a fighter renowned for his devastating knockout power, boasting 42 KOs in his career. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, a clash between him and Ngannou would be a blockbuster event, featuring two of the most explosive punchers in combat sports.
The PFL Connection
Amidst his boxing pursuits, Ngannou has also inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Although he has yet to debut in their promotion, the possibility of a fight between Ngannou and Wilder under the PFL banner had been a topic of discussion. Such a crossover would certainly shake up the landscape of both MMA and boxing, demonstrating the fluidity of modern combat sports and the unique opportunities available to elite fighters like Ngannou.
Ngannou's Reflections on His Career Shift
Reflecting on his storied journey, Ngannou has shared insights into his decision to pivot from MMA to 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," he stated, underscoring his commitment to this new chapter. Ngannou views his move as a definitive step towards a boxing-centric path, leaving behind his MMA accolades to forge new ones in the ring. "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career," he emphasized.
Despite his past achievements, including defending his UFC title against Ciryl Gane, Ngannou feels the pull of uncharted territory. "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. This sentiment reflects a warrior's relentless pursuit of growth and new battlegrounds.
Ngannou's focus remains razor-sharp, particularly when it comes to Deontay Wilder. "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record," he declared. It's this type of bold proclamation that has defined Ngannou's career—a fearless approach to competition, regardless of the discipline.
With the combat sports landscape ever-evolving, Ngannou's move could signal a trend where more fighters seek to cross the boundaries of their respective sports. "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 said, hinting at the fluid nature of fight negotiations and the potential for groundbreaking matchups that could capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this ambitious endeavor, the eyes of the combat sports community will undoubtedly be fixed upon him. Whether in the PFL