Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has made a significant career shift by stepping into the world of professional boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is determined to make his mark in a new combat sport and has set his sights on competing against some of the top names in the boxing industry.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
The Cameroonian powerhouse is scheduled to go toe-to-toe with none other than Anthony Joshua, a seasoned boxer who has recently bounced back with three victories after suffering a pair of defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Ngannou brings his fearsome knockout power from the octagon to the squared circle.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
Ngannou's boxing prowess was nearly showcased spectacularly in a non-title bout against Tyson Fury, where he came close to securing a victory over the Gypsy King. This performance has only fueled Ngannou's ambition to take on more high-profile opponents in the boxing realm.
A Potential Showdown with Deontay Wilder
Among the list of potential adversaries, Deontay Wilder stands out as a target for Ngannou. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record of 42 knockout wins makes him an enticing challenge for Ngannou, who is eager to add such a notable name to his own fighting resume.
Reflections on MMA Achievements
Reflecting on his mixed martial arts career, Ngannou acknowledges reaching the pinnacle of success by claiming the UFC heavyweight title in 2021 and successfully defending it against Ciryl Gane. However, he believes that he has achieved everything he set out to do in MMA and is now looking for new challenges and excitement in the world of boxing.
"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," Ngannou stated, emphasizing his desire for fresh endeavors beyond the confines of the octagon.
Signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL)
Despite signing with the Professional Fighters League, Ngannou has yet to compete under their banner. Speculation had arisen about a possible fight between Ngannou and Wilder taking place within the PFL, hinting at the organization's flexibility and willingness to host marquee matchups that could draw significant attention.
"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, highlighting the fluid nature of fight negotiations and the potential for blockbuster events to materialize.
Ngannou's Boxing Ambitions
When discussing his transition to boxing, Ngannou made it clear that this is not just a fleeting experiment but a dedicated career move. "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 said, outlining his goals and the elite company he wishes to keep in his new sporting venture.
He further distinguished his boxing journey from his previous MMA exploits: "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." Such statements reflect Ngannou's commitment to establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
With an unwavering focus on his new path, Ngannou also sent a direct message to Wilder: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." This call-out indicates Ngannou's determination to face and conquer the most formidable opponents boxing has to offer.
In conclusion, Francis Ngannou's venture into boxing is not merely a crossover curiosity but a serious pursuit of greatness in another combat discipline. With the anticipation building around his fight with Anthony Joshua and the prospect of facing other legends like Deontay Wilder, Ngannou is poised to shake up the boxing world with the same ferocity he brought to the UFC.