A New Ring Challenger: Francis Ngannou Shifts to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the powerhouse former UFC heavyweight champion, is stepping out of the octagon and into the squared circle. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not winding down his combat sports career; instead, he is redirecting it towards boxing, aiming to leave an indelible mark against some of the biggest names in the sport.
From MMA Glory to Boxing Ambitions
Ngannou's tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship was marked by a meteoric rise to the top, culminating in his reign as the UFC heavyweight champion in 2021. His time at the pinnacle of MMA saw him successfully defend his title against Ciryl Gane, showcasing his formidable power and tactical prowess. However, the Cameroonian fighter is now setting his sights on new horizons.
"In my MMA career, I got to the point that is everyone's dream. I was MMA champion," Ngannou reflected. "There are some great fights to do in MMA, but there's not a new challenge, something exciting in MMA."
His quest for fresh challenges has led him to professional boxing, where he has already made waves by nearly defeating Tyson Fury in a non-title bout. This near-victory over one of boxing's premier heavyweights has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying transition for Ngannou.
Upcoming Showdown with Anthony Joshua
The buzz surrounding Ngannou's move to boxing is growing louder as he prepares for an upcoming clash with Anthony Joshua. Joshua, a seasoned boxer with multiple titles under his belt, has bounced back from two losses to Oleksandr Usyk with three consecutive wins. The impending match-up between these two titans of their respective sports is poised to capture the attention of fight fans around the globe.
Deontay Wilder in Ngannou's Sights
While the battle with Joshua looms large, Ngannou is already casting his gaze further down the line. He has expressed a strong desire to go toe-to-toe with Deontay Wilder, a knockout artist with an impressive record of 42 KOs. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, the prospect of a showdown between these two heavy-hitters is tantalizing.
"Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record," Ngannou stated, underscoring his determination to face and conquer the best boxers available.
Even though Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he has yet to debut in their arena. Interestingly, there was speculation about a potential fight with Wilder under the PFL banner, hinting at the fluid nature of fight negotiations and the ever-changing landscape of combat sports.
"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, highlighting the unpredictable dynamics of fight promotions.
Ngannou's Boxing Career: A New Chapter
As Francis Ngannou embarks on this next chapter, his commitment to excellence remains unwavering. Transitioning from MMA to boxing is no small feat, but Ngannou is not merely dipping his toes into these waters; he is diving in headfirst with the intention of making as big a splash as possible.
"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," Ngannou explained. This statement encapsulates his ambition and sets the tone for what fans can expect: a series of high-profile encounters that will test his skills and resolve in the boxing realm.
"It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career," he reiterated, signaling a clear shift in focus and dedication to his new craft.
With his proven track record of explosive power and athletic prowess, the combat sports community eagerly anticipates Ngannou's impact on boxing. Whether he will rise to the same heights he achieved in MMA remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou's journey in the world of boxing will be nothing short of compelling.