Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Aspirations: A New Chapter in His Combat Sports Journey

By Maestro Amílcar Barnett M., The Bronx, NY, USA-

Francis Ngannou, the renowned mixed martial artist known for his formidable presence in the UFC, isn’t quite ready to close the door on his boxing career just yet. With a current professional boxing record standing at 0-2, Ngannou’s initial foray into the world of boxing has included notable bouts against titans such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Despite these setbacks, Ngannou remains optimistic, asserting in an interview with Sportsbook Review that boxing remains a significant part of his future plans.

Lessons Learned from Previous Fights

Ngannou’s boxing debut was anything but mundane. Facing Tyson Fury, the reigning heavyweight champion, Ngannou demonstrated a remarkable ability to hold his own in the ring. Although he lost on points, the fight showcased his potential and garnered respect from fans and commentators alike. In his subsequent match against Anthony Joshua, the stakes were equally high, but the result was less favorable. A second-round knockdown illustrated the challenges Ngannou faces when transitioning from MMA, where grappling and kicking dominate, to the striking-focused realm of boxing.

While many athletes would view two losses as a definitive end to a sport, Ngannou interprets these experiences as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. He acknowledges the discrepancy in his experience — though his MMA background provides an edge in terms of overall combat knowledge, boxing presents a unique set of challenges requiring refined technical skills. This self-awareness is essential, and his determination to improve points to a mindset that champions perseverance over defeat.

According to Ngannou, he plans to make a return to the boxing ring later this year, with intriguing matchups on the horizon. He expressed particular interest in facing Deontay Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight champion renowned for his knockout power. Their bout presents the possibility of an electrifying showdown, with Ngannou noting, “there’s an 80 percent chance that somebody will go to sleep.” Both fighters are known for their striking capabilities, setting the stage for a riveting encounter that could attract significant viewership and interest.

However, the reality of boxing is fraught with unpredictability. Wilder’s future steps in the sport have been clouded with uncertainty. Initially, a fight with Curtis Harper was in the works, but that matchup has reportedly fallen through. This leaves fans and analysts speculating whether a clash between Wilder and Ngannou is on the table. Should it materialize, the fight’s promotional potential is enormous, particularly if paired with an appealing undercard and hosted in a lavish location like Riyadh, which has recently emerged as a hub for high-profile boxing events.

While Ngannou remains hopeful for a rematch with Tyson Fury, who announced his retirement after their fight, the feasibility of such a bout is questionable. Ngannou himself stated, “I hope so,” regarding the potential for a second meeting with Fury. Here lies the crux of boxing promotion — making fights happen that captivate the audience while optimizing financial returns for the fighters and promoters involved.

In the current landscape, the idea of a Ngannou versus Wilder fight, if promoted effectively, could see tremendous hype. The appeal would lie not only in their striking capabilities but also in their personalities and narratives surrounding their careers — both on a winning streak and at the crossroads of their respective legacies.

Francis Ngannou’s journey in boxing is poised for an exciting yet unpredictable future. His willingness to embrace the sport even after two setbacks speaks volumes about his character and determination. Whether the matchup against Wilder comes to fruition or if other opportunities arise, Ngannou continues to carve out his niche in the boxing world. As fans, we can only anticipate and speculate about where this chapter in his career will lead him next. Will he claim that elusive victory this year? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—we haven’t seen the last of Francis Ngannou on the boxing scene.