Ngannou's Boxing Ambitions
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights beyond the octagon as he embarks on a new journey into the world of professional boxing. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not allowing age to dictate the pace of his career, instead, he is gearing up for a highly anticipated boxing match against none other than Anthony Joshua.
Transitioning from MMA to Boxing
The transition from mixed martial arts to boxing is a bold move that Ngannou approaches with a clear vision. He has expressed a fervent desire to take on some of the biggest names in the sport, 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." This statement underscores his determination to not only enter the boxing realm but to leave an indelible mark.
Ngannou's intentions are clear: "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career." Such a definitive shift in focus is rare for a fighter at the pinnacle of their MMA career, yet Ngannou seems undeterred by the challenge that lies ahead.
A Potential Showdown with Wilder
Among the notable figures on Ngannou's list is Deontay Wilder, a boxer celebrated for his formidable knockout power, boasting 42 knockout wins. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, Ngannou remains eager for the opportunity to face him in the ring, asserting, "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record."
This potential bout carries significant weight for Ngannou, who appears to be seeking fights that not only challenge him but also add prestigious names to his fighting resume. The possibility of such a match-up was even discussed within the context of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), as Ngannou revealed, "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible."
Reflecting on a Storied MMA Career
Ngannou's decision to pivot to boxing comes after a storied run in the UFC, where he achieved the dream of every mixed martial artist by claiming the heavyweight title in 2021. His tenure as champion included a successful defense against Ciryl Gane, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. However, despite these accomplishments, Ngannou felt a compelling draw toward the boxing ring, explaining, "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."
It is this pursuit of new challenges that has led Ngannou to sign with the PFL, although he has yet to debut in the league. His aspirations in boxing, however, remain front and center as he prepares to step into the squared circle with Anthony Joshua, a renowned heavyweight who has successfully bounced back with three victories since his consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
Nearing the Joshua Fight
The upcoming clash with Joshua is not just another fight for Ngannou—it is a monumental step in a new direction. His near victory over Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match has already demonstrated his potential in the sport, and a win against Joshua would undoubtedly catapult Ngannou into boxing stardom.
As Francis Ngannou transitions from the octagon to the boxing ring, the combat sports community watches with bated breath. His success in the UFC is undeniable, but the question remains: Can he replicate this triumph in the world of boxing? With his combination of power, athleticism, and sheer determination, Ngannou's foray into boxing may very well redefine what is possible for crossover fighters. As he stands on the precipice of a new chapter in his career, one thing is certain—Francis Ngannou is not content with past glories; he is actively seeking to forge new ones.