Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is charting a new course in his combat sports career by transitioning from the octagon to the boxing ring. At 37 years of age, Ngannou is not content to rest on his laurels and has expressed a strong desire to test himself against some of boxing's elite fighters.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
The Cameroonian powerhouse has set his sights on a high-profile boxing match with none other than Anthony Joshua. This impending clash has garnered significant attention within the boxing community, as it pits a seasoned MMA fighter against a respected name in heavyweight boxing. Joshua, coming off three consecutive victories after his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, represents a formidable challenge for any opponent.
Impressive Performance Against Tyson Fury
Ngannou's ambitions are not unfounded; he has already demonstrated his potential in the squared circle with a near-victory over Tyson Fury in a non-title bout. This performance suggests that Ngannou's power and athleticism could translate effectively into boxing, potentially shaking up the heavyweight division.
Desire to Face Deontay Wilder
Looking beyond Joshua, Ngannou has also expressed an eagerness to face Deontay Wilder. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record boasts 42 knockouts—a testament to his punching power. A matchup between Ngannou and Wilder would certainly captivate fight fans, as both competitors are known for their devastating knockout capabilities.
Reflections on MMA Career and Future Goals
Reflecting on his time in mixed martial arts, Ngannou acknowledges reaching the pinnacle of the sport by capturing the UFC heavyweight title in 2021 and successfully defending it against Ciryl Gane. However, he conveys a sense of having achieved all he set out to accomplish in MMA, stating, "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 move to boxing is thus framed not just as a change in discipline but as a pursuit of fresh challenges and milestones. Ngannou's comments reveal a competitor driven by the desire to conquer new realms: "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."
Potential PFL Debut and Fight Speculations
While Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to make his debut in the organization. The prospect of him fighting in the PFL remains intriguing, especially considering the discussions around a potential bout with Deontay Wilder under its banner. Ngannou hints at the fluid nature of fight negotiations and the possibilities that lie ahead: "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible."
Despite this, Ngannou's current focus is clear: boxing. He underscores this commitment by distancing his future from his past achievements in MMA: "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career."
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's venture into boxing is not merely a crossover; it is a declaration of intent from a fighter who thrives on competition and seeks to etch his name into the annals of another combat sport. With a fight against Anthony Joshua on the horizon and aspirations to face other top-tier boxers like Deontay Wilder, Ngannou's journey in boxing will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. As he transitions from the world of MMA to boxing, one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou is determined to leave an indelible mark wherever he competes.