Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is charting a new course in his combat sports career. At 37 years old, Ngannou is poised to make a significant impact in the world of boxing. He has set his sights on fighting some of the top boxers in the industry, signaling a bold move away from the octagon to the squared circle.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
In what promises to be a compelling matchup, Ngannou is scheduled to face Anthony Joshua, a formidable opponent with a strong track record in the heavyweight division. Joshua, having won three consecutive fights since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, will test Ngannou's boxing prowess. This bout marks a critical moment for Ngannou as he seeks to establish himself among the ranks of elite heavyweight boxers.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
The transition to boxing has not been without its early successes for Ngannou. He nearly secured a victory against Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match, an impressive feat considering Fury's reputation and skill level. This performance has only fueled Ngannou's ambition as he continues to target the biggest names in the sport.
Desire to Fight Deontay Wilder
One such name on Ngannou's list is Deontay Wilder, the American boxer known for his devastating knockout power. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record boasts 42 knockouts, making him a dangerous and appealing challenge for Ngannou. The former UFC champion is determined to add a fight with Wilder to his burgeoning boxing resume, a testament to his competitive spirit and desire for high-profile matchups.
Reflecting on MMA Achievements
Ngannou's decision to pivot to boxing comes after reaching the pinnacle of mixed martial arts. In 2021, he captured the UFC heavyweight title and successfully defended it against Ciryl Gane. His tenure in the UFC saw him achieve the dream of many fighters, but Ngannou now seeks fresh challenges beyond the realm of MMA.
Potential PFL Involvement
Although Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to step into their cage. Interestingly, there has been speculation about a potential fight between Ngannou and Wilder under the PFL banner. This possibility underscores the dynamic nature of combat sports, where opportunities can emerge rapidly and unpredictably.
Ngannou's Perspective on His Boxing Career
When discussing his new venture, Ngannou emphasized the distinction between his past and present pursuits. "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 intention to leave a mark in the boxing world.
He further clarified his focus, saying, "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." This shift in discipline represents a significant turning point for Ngannou, one that he approaches with determination and clarity.
Regarding Wilder, Ngannou expressed his resolve: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." Such a statement reflects Ngannou's unwavering commitment to facing and overcoming the most daunting opponents in boxing.
Finally, reflecting on his illustrious MMA career and the potential crossover fights, Ngannou remarked, "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." This sentiment captures the essence of Ngannou's drive to pursue boxing—a relentless quest for new challenges and the thrill of competition.
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this next chapter, the combat sports community watches with anticipation. Whether in the PFL or the traditional boxing arena, his journey promises to be as electrifying as it is unprecedented. With a clear vision and a list of targets, Ngannou's boxing career is off to a promising start, and his upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua could be the catalyst he needs to solidify his place in the pantheon of heavyweight boxing legends.