Francis Ngannou's Transition from MMA to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is embarking on a new chapter in his combat sports career. At 37 years old, Ngannou has set his sights on conquering the world of boxing, seeking to test his mettle against some of the sport's elite fighters.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou's transition into boxing is marked by an upcoming high-profile match against none other than Anthony Joshua. This bout is not only a significant step for Ngannou in his boxing journey but also a compelling clash for fight fans around the globe. Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, has bounced back with three victories since his consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, demonstrating his resilience and determination in the ring.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
The Cameroonian powerhouse has already made waves in the boxing scene, having narrowly missed a win against Tyson Fury in a non-title match. This performance against the Gypsy King suggests that Ngannou's pugilistic skills are not to be underestimated, despite his primary background in mixed martial arts.
Ambitions to Fight Deontay Wilder
Ngannou's aspirations don't stop with Joshua; he has expressed a strong desire to face Deontay Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight champion known for his formidable knockout power. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record of 42 knockouts stands as a testament to his punching prowess. A matchup between Ngannou and Wilder would undoubtedly be a titanic battle of two of the most powerful strikers in combat sports history.
Legacy in the UFC
Reflecting on his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Ngannou reigned as the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021 and successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane. His dominance in the octagon was clear, but Ngannou has now turned his attention to boxing, seeking new challenges and milestones to achieve outside the realm of MMA.
Professional Fighters League Signing
While Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to compete under their banner. The PFL, known for its regular season, playoffs, and championship format, offers a unique platform for fighters, and Ngannou's participation would certainly bring additional star power to the organization. Discussions about a potential fight with Wilder taking place in the PFL have circulated, hinting at the flexibility and range of opportunities available to Ngannou in his post-UFC career.
Ngannou's Vision for His Boxing Career
When speaking about his venture into boxing, Ngannou makes it clear that this is more than just a temporary switch; it's a fully-fledged career move. "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, emphasizing his commitment to facing the best in the business.
He further distinguishes this new path from his past, saying, "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." This distinction underscores Ngannou's dedication to establishing himself as a legitimate contender in the boxing world.
With a sense of unfinished business, Ngannou has issued a call to action to Wilder: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." It's a bold statement from a fighter who has consistently shown a willingness to take on all comers.
Looking back on his time in the octagon, Ngannou reflects on reaching the pinnacle of MMA. "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 mused, suggesting that he had achieved all he set out to do in mixed martial arts.
As for what the future holds, Ngannou remains open to the ever-changing landscape of fight 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," he said, hinting at the fluid nature of negotiations and the potential for unexpected developments.
In conclusion, Francis Ngannou's venture into boxing marks an exciting development in the