A New Challenger Emerges: Ngannou Sets Sights on Boxing's Elite
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, is no stranger to combat sports fans. Known for his devastating power and explosive knockouts in the octagon, Ngannou is now looking to make a name for himself in the squared circle. In a recent interview with Sky Sports' MMA Club, Ngannou made it clear that he has lofty ambitions in the world of boxing.
Transitioning 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," Ngannou said, underscoring his desire to take on the best in the business. At 37 years old, Ngannou is seeking new mountains to climb, having already reached the pinnacle of mixed martial arts.
His transition from the UFC to boxing isn't just a fleeting whim. Ngannou's move appears to be a calculated step towards revitalizing his career in combat sports. "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career," he emphasized, signaling a definitive shift in focus.
Upcoming Bout and Future Aspirations
The Cameroonian powerhouse is set to face Anthony Joshua next month, a fight that promises to test his boxing prowess against one of the sport's most accomplished athletes. Joshua, who boasts three wins since suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, recently triumphed over Otto Wallin, adding momentum to his storied career.
Ngannou's own combat sports journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He nearly defeated Tyson Fury in a non-title bout, showcasing that he can hold his own against elite boxers. Yet, it's not just about proving his skill; Ngannou yearns for marquee matchups. "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record," he stated, hinting at a potential clash with Deontay Wilder, who recently lost to Joseph Parker but remains a knockout artist with 42 victories ending before the final bell.
A Storied MMA Career
Before setting his sights on boxing, Ngannou was a dominant force in the UFC. In 2021, he claimed the heavyweight championship, a testament to his talent and hard work inside the octagon. The following year, he successfully defended his belt against Ciryl Gane, further solidifying his legacy in MMA.
However, after reaching the summit of MMA, Ngannou felt the need for fresh challenges. "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 reflected. This pursuit of excitement led to his departure from the UFC and subsequent signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Despite this move, he has yet to debut in the PFL arena.
Potential Matchup with Wilder in PFL
The landscape of combat sports is ever-changing, and Ngannou is well aware of the opportunities that may arise. "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 mused, leaving the door open for what would surely be a blockbuster event.
Whether or not Ngannou will face Wilder under the PFL banner remains to be seen, but the prospect is tantalizing for fans and pundits alike. With his background as an ex-MMA fighter and the former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou brings a unique pedigree to boxing—one that could disrupt the established hierarchy and introduce a thrilling new chapter to the sport.
Conclusion
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this next phase of his career, the combat sports community watches with bated breath. His transition from MMA to boxing isn't just a testament to his athletic versatility; it's a bold statement about the fluidity of modern fighters and their ability to cross disciplines. With a highly anticipated bout against Anthony Joshua on the horizon and the possibility of facing other boxing luminaries, Ngannou's journey is one that promises to captivate audiences around the world.
