Francis Ngannou's Boxing Ambitions
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights on a new combat sports horizon—boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not slowing down but instead looking to cement his legacy across multiple disciplines. With a highly anticipated boxing match against Anthony Joshua on the horizon, Ngannou is proving that he is not one to shy away from formidable challenges.
Transitioning to Boxing
The Cameroonian powerhouse has made it clear that his focus has shifted from mixed martial arts (MMA) to boxing. "I'm here for the boxing career, and there I have a lot of challenges, a lot of names," Ngannou stated, underscoring his commitment to succeeding in the squared circle. His target list includes some of the most reputable names in the sport—Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder.
Ngannou's transition into boxing is marked by his upcoming bout with Anthony Joshua, a significant test against a seasoned pugilist. Joshua, who has bounced back with three wins after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, will be a benchmark for Ngannou's boxing prowess.
A Near Miss Against Fury and Future Prospects
Ngannou's boxing capabilities are not entirely unproven, as he nearly claimed victory over Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match. This performance has only fueled his desire to take on other giants of the sport, including the formidable Deontay Wilder. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record boasts an impressive 42 knockout wins—a testament to his power and a thrilling potential matchup for Ngannou.
"Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record," Ngannou declared, signaling his eagerness to face and defeat Wilder. His determination to build a notable boxing career is evident, as he distances himself from his MMA past. "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career," he emphasized.
Reflecting on MMA Achievements
Ngannou's MMA accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, he reached the pinnacle of the sport by securing the UFC heavyweight championship. He successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane, showcasing his dominance in the octagon. However, Ngannou believes he has achieved all he could in 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 reflected.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) Signing
Despite his move to boxing, Ngannou has kept his options open by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). While he has yet to compete in the PFL, there has been speculation about a potential fight with Deontay Wilder under their banner. "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible," Ngannou said, acknowledging the fluid nature of fight negotiations and event planning.
This willingness to remain flexible in his combat sports career allows Ngannou to navigate through opportunities that come his way, whether they be in the realm of MMA or boxing. His dedication to taking on top-tier athletes, regardless of the setting, demonstrates his commitment to testing his skills at the highest level.
Conclusion
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this new chapter, the combat sports community watches with bated breath. Can the former UFC heavyweight champion translate his success in MMA to the world of boxing? With his raw power, athleticism, and unwavering determination, Ngannou's quest to conquer another combat sport is not just a possibility—it's an impending reality. Fans eagerly await his boxing debut against Anthony Joshua, which could very well be the beginning of another storied chapter in Ngannou's already illustrious career.