Francis Ngannou's Transition from MMA to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has turned a new page in his combat sports career by making a significant shift from the Octagon to the boxing ring. At 37 years of age, Ngannou is not content with resting on his laurels and is eyeing some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing for future bouts.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou's move to boxing is marked by an upcoming high-profile match against none other than Anthony Joshua. This fight is generating considerable buzz as Ngannou brings his formidable power from mixed martial arts into the squared circle. Joshua, who has rebounded from two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk with three consecutive victories, presents a formidable challenge for the Cameroonian fighter looking to make an impact in his new venture.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
In what was a surprising non-title match, Ngannou nearly secured a win over Tyson Fury, showcasing that his pugilistic skills are not to be underestimated. This performance has undoubtedly raised expectations for his boxing career and has added credibility to his prospects against top-tier boxers.
Desire to Fight Deontay Wilder
Among the names Ngannou is eager to face, Deontay Wilder stands out. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record of 42 knockouts is a testament to his punching power and makes him an exciting potential opponent for Ngannou. The prospect of these two heavy-hitters clashing is tantalizing for fans of combat sports.
In his own words, Ngannou has made it clear that he is fully committed to boxing, stating, "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 focus is now squarely on boxing, as he emphasized, "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career."
Ngannou's ambition is palpable as he calls out Wilder: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." This bold statement underlines his determination to compete with and defeat the most acclaimed fighters in the boxing world.
A Stellar MMA Career Behind Him
Reflecting on his mixed martial arts achievements, Ngannou expressed a sense of completion regarding his MMA journey: "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." Having been the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021 and successfully defending his title against Ciryl Gane, Ngannou feels he has conquered the MMA landscape and is seeking fresh challenges.
Professional Fighters League Signing
Interestingly, while Ngannou has signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to compete within their ranks. This signing has sparked discussions about potential matchups, including one with Wilder, within the PFL framework. As Ngannou pointed out, "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 openness to various opportunities reflects Ngannou's flexible approach to his career and willingness to adapt to the evolving combat sports environment.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's transition from the pinnacle of MMA to the highly competitive world of professional boxing is a bold move that speaks volumes about his ambition and confidence. With a promising boxing debut on the horizon and the allure of big-name opponents like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, Ngannou's career trajectory will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Whether he will replicate his MMA success in boxing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou is not shying away from any challenge as he carves out a new chapter in his illustrious fighting legacy.