Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the powerhouse former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights on a new combat sports horizon: the world of professional boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not content to rest on his laurels; instead, he is seeking to make an impact in the squared circle against some of the biggest names in the sport.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou's ambition will soon be put to the test as he prepares for an upcoming bout with none other than Anthony Joshua, a prominent figure in heavyweight boxing. Joshua, who has rebounded from two losses to Oleksandr Usyk with three consecutive victories, presents a formidable challenge for any fighter, let alone one transitioning from the octagon to the ring.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
The Cameroonian fighter's boxing credentials are not entirely untested, however. Ngannou has already stepped into the ring in a non-title match against Tyson Fury, where he came close to securing a victory over the Gypsy King himself. This near win adds a layer of intrigue to Ngannou's boxing career, suggesting that he may indeed have the skills to stand toe-to-toe with the elite of heavyweight boxing.
Desire to Fight Deontay Wilder
Ngannou's hit list extends beyond Joshua. He has expressed a strong desire to fight Deontay Wilder, another titan of the boxing world. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record boasts an impressive 42 knockouts, underscoring the threat he poses inside the ring. Yet, Ngannou remains undeterred, eager to add Wilder's name to his own fighting ledger.
Reflections on MMA Career and New Challenges
Reflecting on his mixed martial arts career, Ngannou acknowledges reaching the pinnacle of the sport by capturing the UFC heavyweight title in 2021 and successfully defending it against Ciryl Gane. Despite these achievements, he conveys a sense of completion within the realm of 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."
It is this quest for new challenges that has propelled Ngannou towards boxing. He articulates a clear vision for his future in the sport, remarking, "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." His determination is palpable as he emphasizes the distinction between his past and present pursuits: "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career."
Potential PFL Involvement
While Ngannou's focus is firmly on boxing, there remains speculation about his involvement with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Although he has signed with the organization, he has yet to step into the PFL cage. Interestingly, there has been talk of a potential fight with Wilder under the PFL banner, hinting at the fluid nature of combat sports matchmaking. As Ngannou himself puts it, "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible."
This statement encapsulates the unpredictable journey of Francis Ngannou—a journey that has seen him rise to the summit of MMA and now, seemingly, embark on a fresh conquest in the world of boxing. With his raw power, proven track record, and unwavering ambition, the combat sports community will be watching closely as Ngannou seeks to shake up the heavyweight boxing scene, one punch at a time.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's transition from the UFC to boxing is more than just a career shift; it is a bold declaration of his fighting spirit and his refusal to settle. Whether facing off against Anthony Joshua or calling out Deontay Wilder, Ngannou's presence in the boxing world is poised to be as impactful as his devastating punches once were in the octagon. As the heavyweight division braces for the arrival of this MMA champion turned boxer, fans and fighters alike will bear witness to the unfolding of a new chapter in an already storied fighting legacy.