Francis Ngannou, renowned for his formidable presence in the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena, is not ready to hang up his boxing gloves just yet. With a record of 0-2 in professional boxing, following defeats by Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, the towering Nigerian insists that his journey in boxing is far from over. Ngannou recently shared in an interview with Sportsbook Review that he is eager to return to the ring later this year, openly expressing his desire to face either Deontay Wilder or pursue a rematch with Tyson Fury.
Despite having suffered setbacks against two heavyweight icons, Ngannou’s statement that he “is not done with boxing” speaks volumes about his determination to carve a niche in the boxing world. His initial foray into the sport showcased agility and technical skill that belied his MMA background. While Ngannou acknowledged his greater familiarity with MMA, his willingness to embrace the challenges of boxing underlines an ambition that transcends mere participation—it’s about proving himself against some of the best pugilists.
Ngannou’s fervor for a match with Deontay Wilder is particularly telling. He believes that this fight possesses the potential for fireworks, stating that “there’s an 80 percent chance that somebody will go to sleep.” This perspective embodies Ngannou’s understanding of the sport’s entertainment value, recognizing that a clash between two heavy hitters could captivate audiences around the globe.
However, the landscape of heavyweight boxing is always shifting, and the bout with Wilder, while appealing to Ngannou, raises questions about feasibility. Wilder’s recent trajectory—previously slated to fight Curtis Harper—seems uncertain with that matchup now off the table. Fans and analysts alike are left pondering whether Wilder would be willing to engage in a bout against Ngannou. If orchestrated correctly, with adequate promotion and support from an enticing undercard, a fight between these two could indeed draw significant attention.
The potential venue could also play a role in its success; titling the fight in a place like Riyadh could add a certain flair and create an extravagant event atmosphere. The pairing of Ngannou and Wilder, both known for their knockout power, brings an air of unpredictability, offering the allure of a match that could end in a matter of moments.
Turning back to Ngannou’s aspirations against Tyson Fury, the situation appears more complex. While Ngannou expresses a hope for a rematch, Fury remains in a state of retirement, which complicates the likelihood of this return bout. Ngannou’s acknowledgment that he “never expected to win” against Fury by decision illustrates a level of realism that he carries into this next phase of his career. He reflects an understanding that in boxing, results can be unforgiving, impacting fighters’ trajectories in ways that can seem arbitrary, depending on the judges’ perspectives.
Nonetheless, Ngannou’s performance against Fury, where he put forth a commendable effort, earned him respect and showcased his potential in the boxing universe. He displayed resilience and adaptability, traits no doubt sharpened through his background in MMA. It raises questions on whether his next bout will see him secure his first victory as a heavyweight boxer, a milestone that could shift his trajectory immensely.
As anticipation builds for Ngannou’s next steps, fans are left to wonder: can he secure a win in his third boxing match? If a clash with Wilder comes to fruition, who would emerge victorious? With so many uncertainties, Ngannou’s journey in boxing invites speculation and excitement. His intentions are clear, though—the desire to fight and succeed in boxing is palpable, and whether it leads to a triumphant breakthrough or further challenges, only time will tell.