Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the powerhouse former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights on a new combat sports horizon: professional boxing. At 37 years of age, Ngannou is not content with resting on his laurels and is actively seeking to establish himself among the elite in the squared circle. His ambitions are lofty, targeting some of the most renowned names in the boxing world.
Upcoming Heavyweight Clash
The Cameroonian fighter is poised for a high-profile bout against none other than Anthony Joshua, a heavyweight titan in his own right. Joshua, coming off a series of victories since his back-to-back defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, represents a significant challenge for any pugilist. The upcoming match is not just another fight; it's a testament to Ngannou's commitment to make a mark in boxing.
Near Triumph Over Fury
Ngannou's boxing credentials are not entirely untested. He came close to an upset in a non-title match against Tyson Fury, who is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights in recent boxing history. This near-victory has only fueled Ngannou's hunger to prove himself further against the top-tier fighters of the boxing realm.
Desire to Face Wilder
A name that repeatedly surfaces in Ngannou's narrative is that of Deontay Wilder, the American boxer known for his formidable knockout power. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his record boasts an impressive 42 knockouts. Ngannou has made it clear that he yearns to add a victory over Wilder to his burgeoning boxing resume, signaling his intent to take on the very best.
From MMA Champion to Boxing Contender
In 2021, Ngannou reached the pinnacle of mixed martial arts by capturing the UFC heavyweight title and subsequently defending it against Ciryl Gane. However, despite his success in MMA, Ngannou feels a compulsion for fresh challenges, which he believes boxing can provide. "In my MMA career, I got to the point that is everyone's dream. I was MMA champion," Ngannou stated. "There are some great fights to do in MMA, but there's not a new challenge, something exciting in MMA."
This sentiment echoes throughout his transition, as Ngannou emphasizes the shift from his celebrated MMA journey to a nascent boxing career. "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career," he clarified, indicating a definitive pivot in focus.
Professional Fighters League Signing
Interestingly, while Ngannou's boxing aspirations are clear, he also signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Although he has yet to compete under their banner, discussions have taken place regarding a potential PFL matchup with Wilder. "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 mused, highlighting the fluid nature of combat sports matchmaking.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's transition from the octagon to the ring is more than a mere change of scenery; it's a bold declaration of his desire to conquer multiple facets of combat sports. As he prepares to face Anthony Joshua, the combat sports community watches with bated breath, eager to witness how this former UFC heavyweight champion will fare against established boxing royalty. With his eyes firmly set on Fury, Joshua, and Wilder, Ngannou's boxing career is shaping up to be as explosive as his time in MMA.
Whether he'll replicate his MMA success in boxing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou's competitive fire burns as fiercely as ever, and he's determined to leave an indelible mark on the sweet science of boxing.