Francis Ngannou's Transition to Boxing
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is stepping into the world of professional boxing with an ambitious agenda. At 37 years old, Ngannou is not content with resting on his laurels; instead, he is seeking new challenges and has set his sights on some of the biggest names in the sport.
Upcoming Bout with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou's transition from the Octagon to the squared circle will be put to the test as he prepares for an upcoming bout against renowned boxer Anthony Joshua. This match-up is highly anticipated, given Joshua's impressive track record of three consecutive wins after suffering two defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.
Near Victory Over Tyson Fury
Ngannou's potential in the ring was nearly solidified in a non-title boxing match where he came close to defeating the formidable Tyson Fury. His performance in that fight suggests that the former MMA champion could indeed make waves in the boxing scene.
The Wilder Challenge
A fighter with a clear vision, Ngannou has expressed his desire to go toe-to-toe with Deontay Wilder, another household name in heavyweight boxing. Despite Wilder's recent loss to Joseph Parker, his reputation remains intact with an astonishing 42 knockout victories. Ngannou's call-out indicates his readiness to face top-tier opponents and add significant wins to his boxing resume.
Reflecting on an Illustrious MMA Career
Ngannou's tenure in the UFC saw him reach the pinnacle of success. In 2021, he claimed the heavyweight championship and successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane, cementing his status as a dominant force in mixed martial arts. However, Ngannou's ambitions have evolved beyond the confines of the UFC octagon.
Signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL)
Despite signing with the Professional Fighters League, Ngannou has yet to compete under their banner. There has been speculation about a potential fight between Ngannou and Wilder taking place in the PFL, which would undoubtedly be a marquee event for the organization. Nevertheless, Ngannou's focus remains firmly fixed on boxing.
Ngannou's Perspective on His Boxing Career
In his own words, Ngannou emphasized his dedication to boxing: "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." He further clarified the distinction between his past and current pursuits, stating, "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career."
His determination to succeed in boxing is palpable as he calls out Wilder: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record." These are not the words of a man looking back at his achievements but rather one who is actively forging a new path.
Reflecting on his MMA journey, Ngannou shared, "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's clear that Ngannou views his future in boxing as a fresh and thrilling venture.
With the ever-changing landscape of combat sports, Ngannou acknowledges the fluidity of his situation: "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 adaptability and openness to opportunity may well serve him as he navigates the competitive waters of professional boxing.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's shift from the UFC to boxing is not just a change in discipline but a testament to his relentless pursuit of competition at the highest level. With a prospective fight against Anthony Joshua and aspirations to face other leading figures like Deontay Wilder, Ngannou is not merely crossing over; he is aiming to conquer another realm of combat sports. As the fighting community watches with bated breath, only time will tell if Ngannou can translate his MMA prowess into boxing supremacy.