Career Transition: Ngannou Swaps UFC Gloves for Boxing
Francis Ngannou, the powerhouse former UFC heavyweight champion, is stepping out of the octagon and into the squared circle. At 37 years old, Ngannou has set his sights on a new combat sports horizon—boxing. The Cameroonian fighter is not just dipping his toes into the sport; he is plunging in headfirst with an ambitious bout lined up against none other than Anthony Joshua.
From MMA to Boxing
Ngannou's transition from mixed martial arts to boxing is not merely a fleeting whim. He has expressed a clear intent to carve out a significant presence in the boxing world, targeting some of the biggest names in the sport. "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," Ngannou stated, underscoring his commitment to this new chapter in his combat sports journey.
The move to boxing represents a fresh challenge for Ngannou, who feels he has achieved his ultimate goal in MMA by reaching the pinnacle as the UFC heavyweight champion. "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," he reflected.
Anthony Joshua: A Formidable Opponent
Anthony Joshua, a household name in boxing, will be Ngannou's first high-profile opponent. Joshua's recent track record includes three victories since his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, demonstrating his resilience and skill inside the ring. This match-up promises to be a thrilling encounter between two elite athletes at the top of their respective sports.
A Near Miss with Tyson Fury
Before locking horns with Joshua, Ngannou tested his boxing prowess against Tyson Fury in a non-title match that showcased his potential in the sport. Although he did not secure a victory, the performance was commendable and nearly resulted in a win over the Gypsy King, which speaks volumes about Ngannou's adaptability and striking power.
The Wilder Factor
Looking beyond the Joshua fight, Ngannou has already named another prominent figure he wishes to face: Deontay Wilder. With 42 knockout wins under his belt, Wilder is a formidable force in heavyweight boxing despite a recent loss to Joseph Parker. Ngannou's determination is palpable as he says, "Wilder better get it together because I'm not done. I want that name on my record."
PFL Signing and Future Prospects
Amidst his boxing ambitions, Ngannou has also signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), although he has yet to compete in their events. Speculation has been rife about a potential clash with Wilder under the PFL banner. "Two months ago, we were talking about fighting Deontay Wilder in the PFL [Professional Fighters League]. The landscape can change quickly. Everything is possible," Ngannou commented on the fluid nature of fight negotiations.
While the PFL opportunity simmers in the background, Ngannou remains focused on his imminent boxing debut against Joshua. This move could potentially open doors for more MMA fighters to cross over into boxing, especially if Ngannou finds success against top-tier boxers.
Conclusion
Francis Ngannou's venture into boxing is not just a testament to his athletic prowess but also to his ambition to continually seek new challenges and scale greater heights. As he prepares to face Anthony Joshua, the fighting world watches with bated breath, anticipating the impact of this crossover on both boxing and MMA landscapes. Whether Ngannou will replicate his MMA success in boxing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he is poised to make waves and perhaps even history in the sweet science of boxing.