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: boxing. At 37 years of age, Ngannou is not content with resting on his mixed martial arts laurels; instead, he is gearing up for a highly anticipated boxing match against none other than Anthony Joshua, one of the sport's premier heavyweights.
A New Challenge in the Ring
Ngannou's transition from the Octagon to the squared circle speaks volumes about his competitive spirit and desire to test himself against the best in the fight game. "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," stated Ngannou, highlighting his ambition to face off against the elite of heavyweight boxing.
His upcoming bout with Joshua is not just a novelty; it represents a serious challenge for both fighters. Joshua, having bounced back with three victories after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, is looking to reaffirm his status at the pinnacle of boxing. Meanwhile, Ngannou has already proven his striking prowess, nearly defeating Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match, signaling that he is a legitimate threat in the boxing world.
The PFL Connection and Future Aspirations
While Ngannou's focus is firmly fixed on boxing, he has kept one foot in the realm of mixed martial arts by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Although he has yet to debut in the PFL cage, the organization was once abuzz with talks of him fighting Deontay Wilder under their banner—a testament to Ngannou's drawing power and the intriguing crossover potential he brings.
Deontay Wilder, despite a recent loss to Joseph Parker, remains a formidable opponent with an impressive record of 42 knockout wins. Ngannou's interest in a bout with Wilder is clear, as he expressed a strong desire to add such a significant name to his record: "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record."
Ngannou's legacy in MMA is well-established, with his reign as UFC heavyweight champion in 2021, including a title defense against Ciryl Gane. However, he views his future in combat sports through a different lens: "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."
His sentiment reflects a fighter in search of fresh goals and new mountains to climb. "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible," said Ngannou, hinting at the ever-changing dynamics of combat sports and his willingness to adapt and pursue the most compelling matchups available.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's venture into boxing is more than a mere crossover; it's a statement of intent from a competitor who refuses to be confined by the boundaries of one discipline. His upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua is not just a clash of titans from different realms of combat sports—it's a testament to Ngannou's relentless pursuit of greatness, no matter the arena.
As the fight world eagerly anticipates the sound of the opening bell for Ngannou vs. Joshua, one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou's journey from the UFC champion to aspiring boxing contender is a narrative that captivates and inspires. Whether he triumphs or learns, Ngannou's bold move to boxing ensures his place in the annals of combat sports history as a true warrior, unafraid to challenge the status quo and seek out the toughest battles across any platform.