Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has taken a significant step in his combat sports career by moving from the Octagon to the boxing ring. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not shying away from challenging some of the biggest names in boxing today.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou's foray into professional boxing is marked by an upcoming high-profile match against none other than Anthony Joshua. This bout is highly anticipated as it pits a former MMA heavyweight champion against a seasoned boxer. Joshua, who has recently bounced back with three wins after his losses to Oleksandr Usyk, will test Ngannou's boxing prowess in a way few can.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
The transition to boxing seems natural for Ngannou, who already made headlines with a near victory over Tyson Fury in a non-title match. His performance against Fury, one of boxing's elite heavyweights, has set the stage for what could be a remarkable second act for the Cameroonian fighter.
Ambitions to Fight Deontay Wilder
Ngannou's ambitions do not stop with Joshua; he has expressed a strong desire to fight Deontay Wilder. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record of 42 knockout wins makes him a dangerous and attractive opponent for anyone, including Ngannou. The potential matchup would undoubtedly draw significant attention from both boxing and MMA fans alike.
Reflections on MMA Career
Reflecting on his mixed martial arts career, Ngannou has expressed a sense of completion, having achieved the pinnacle of success in the sport by becoming the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021. He successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane, solidifying his status as a top competitor in the sport. However, Ngannou now seeks new challenges beyond the confines of the MMA world.
Professional Fighters League Signing
Intriguingly, while Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to compete within their ranks. Discussions about a potential fight with Wilder under the PFL banner have circulated, illustrating the fluid nature of fight negotiations and the potential for unexpected matchups.
Ngannou's Perspective on His Boxing Career
In his own words, Ngannou has delineated the distinction between his past and current pursuits: "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." This statement underscores his commitment to making a name for himself in the realm of boxing.
He further emphasizes his dedication to facing the best in the industry, saying, "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." Such ambition showcases Ngannou's drive to not just participate but excel and leave an indelible mark in the boxing scene.
Moreover, Ngannou has issued a direct challenge to Wilder, signaling his readiness to face the heavyweight: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." This bold proclamation serves as a rallying cry for a future clash that would surely captivate audiences worldwide.
Despite his storied career in MMA, Ngannou has articulated a feeling of having reached a plateau, prompting his shift to boxing: "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."
His openness to evolving opportunities is evident when he speaks of the dynamic landscape of combat 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."
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this new chapter, the combat sports community watches with keen interest. Whether he will replicate his MMA success in the boxing ring remains to be seen, but his determination and willingness to take on the best fighters in the world suggest that he may very well become a force to be reckoned with in the squared circle.