Francis Ngannou: From UFC Champion to Boxing Contender
Francis Ngannou, the formidable former UFC heavyweight champion, has set his sights on a new combat sports horizon. At 37 years old, Ngannou is transitioning to professional boxing, eager to test his mettle against some of the most prominent figures in the ring.
A New Chapter in Combat Sports
Ngannou's career move comes after a storied tenure in mixed martial arts where he reached the pinnacle of success. His aspirations within the octagon culminated in 2021 when he claimed the UFC heavyweight title. A testament to his dominance was his title defense against Ciryl Gane, which further solidified his position at the top of the heavyweight division.
However, the Cameroonian powerhouse is not one to rest on his laurels. Seeking fresh challenges and the thrill of competition, Ngannou has turned his attention to boxing. He is slated to face Anthony Joshua, a renowned boxer who has bounced back with three victories following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. This matchup promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two titans of their respective sports.
Nearly Besting Fury, Targeting Wilder
Ngannou has already made waves in the boxing community, coming tantalizingly close to defeating Tyson Fury in a non-title bout. The performance against Fury, considered one of boxing's elite heavyweights, has only fueled Ngannou's desire to carve out a legacy within the sport.
Among the names Ngannou wishes to add to his record is Deontay Wilder, a knockout artist with an impressive tally of 42 KOs. Despite Wilder's recent setback against Joseph Parker, a fight between him and Ngannou would be a blockbuster event, showcasing the power and athleticism of two premier strikers.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) had also been part of Ngannou's journey, having signed him up for a potential debut. Although he has yet to compete under the PFL banner, discussions about a possible clash with Wilder within the organization highlighted the fluidity of Ngannou's fighting prospects.
Ngannou's Vision for His Boxing Career
In his own words, Ngannou has expressed a clear vision for his transition 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 stated, underscoring his intention to go toe-to-toe with the best in the business.
Ngannou firmly distinguishes his boxing pursuits from his MMA achievements. "It's a boxing career; it's not an MMA career now. We are here talking about my boxing career," he clarified, signaling a definitive shift in focus. His determination is palpable as he calls out Wilder, saying, "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record."
The former MMA champion reflects on his illustrious past while looking forward to the challenges ahead. "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," Ngannou remarked, conveying a sense of completion regarding his MMA journey.
Even with the ever-changing landscape of combat sports, Ngannou remains adaptable and open to opportunities. "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible," he said, leaving the door open for unforeseen but welcome developments in his burgeoning boxing career.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's venture into boxing is not merely a change of discipline but a reinvigoration of his competitive spirit. With a highly anticipated bout against Anthony Joshua on the horizon and the prospect of facing other heavyweight legends, Ngannou is poised to make an indelible impact on the world of boxing. As he transitions from the octagon to the squared circle, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if this former UFC heavyweight champion can translate his fearsome power and combat prowess into boxing glory.