Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
The world of combat sports is witnessing a significant shift as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou embarks on a new journey in the realm of professional boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is setting his sights on competing against some of the most formidable names in the boxing industry.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou has announced an upcoming boxing match with none other than Anthony Joshua, a prominent figure in heavyweight boxing. This fight is highly anticipated, given Joshua's impressive record of rebounding with three victories after suffering two losses to Oleksandr Usyk. The matchup between Ngannou and Joshua promises to be a thrilling encounter for fans of both mixed martial arts and boxing alike.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
In what was almost a monumental upset, Ngannou nearly clinched a win against Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match. This performance has only bolstered his reputation and heightened expectations for his future bouts in the boxing ring. Ngannou's near victory over Fury is a testament to his potential in the sport, suggesting that his transition from MMA to boxing may be met with considerable success.
Ambitions to Fight Deontay Wilder
Ngannou's ambitions do not stop at Joshua; he has also expressed a strong desire to take on Deontay Wilder. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record of 42 knockout wins is nothing short of impressive. A clash between Ngannou and Wilder would undoubtedly be a highlight for boxing enthusiasts, offering a spectacle of power and athleticism.
Reflections on MMA Career
Reflecting on his illustrious career in mixed martial arts, Ngannou acknowledges reaching the pinnacle of the sport by becoming the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021. He successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane, solidifying his legacy in the UFC. However, Ngannou feels that there are no new challenges or exciting prospects left for him in MMA, leading him to pursue a boxing career where fresh challenges await.
Signing with Professional Fighters League (PFL)
Despite signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Ngannou has yet to compete within their ranks. Nevertheless, there has been speculation about a potential fight between Ngannou and Wilder under the PFL banner. This possibility illustrates the dynamic nature of combat sports, where matchups can materialize swiftly and unpredictably.
Ngannou's Perspective on His Boxing Career
When discussing his transition, Ngannou emphasizes the distinction between his past in MMA and his future in 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," he stated. This focus on boxing underscores his commitment to excelling in a new domain and leaving an indelible mark on another facet of combat sports.
His determination is palpable as he calls out Wilder directly: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." Such bold statements reflect Ngannou's confidence and drive to succeed in the squared circle.
Ngannou also reminisces about his achievements in MMA, expressing a sense of fulfillment in reaching the apex of the sport. "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 conveyed. His pursuit of boxing appears to be fueled by a quest for new challenges and the thrill of competition.
As the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, Ngannou's move to boxing stands out as a compelling narrative. "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 remarked. With this mindset, Francis Ngannou is poised to shake up the world of boxing just as he did in the UFC, with fans eagerly awaiting his every move.