The Intriguing Case of Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou, a name synonymous with the UFC’s heavyweight division, is attracting attention for reasons far beyond his mixed martial arts (MMA) prowess. Despite holding a modest 0-2 record in boxing, Ngannou has announced his plans to return to the sweet science for his next fight. This decision, coming after a brief stint back in MMA, has sparked a mix of curiosity and concern among fans and experts alike. Notably, he has mentioned former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder as a potential opponent, a matchup that would bring together two of the most powerful punchers in the history of combat sports.
Ngannou’s Boxing Venture: A High-Stakes Gamble
Ngannou’s foray into boxing is not without its precedents. He has already faced two of the sport’s biggest names, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, in high-profile bouts. However, both fights ended in decisive losses, with the bout against Joshua particularly notable for its brutal knockout. Daniel Cormier, a former UFC champion and well-respected analyst, voiced his reservations about Ngannou’s decision, especially in light of the Joshua fight. Cormier explained on his YouTube channel that while Ngannou has impressive physical attributes and undeniable charisma, his lack of technical experience in boxing is a significant concern. "There were people picking Francis to beat Joshua," Cormier said, "but Anthony Joshua felt so less of a threat [from Ngannou] that he, who is traditionally one of the most passive boxers in the world for a heavyweight champion, went after Francis. He didn’t feel the threat because of the lack of experience that Francis had in boxing."
Ngannou’s Recent MMA Success
Following his knockout loss to Joshua, Ngannou returned to MMA, where he quickly dispatched Renan Ferreira in his PFL debut. This victory, though against a less formidable opponent, demonstrated that Ngannou’s skills and dominance in the octagon have not diminished. His ability to adapt and perform at a high level in different combat sports underscores his athletic versatility and resilience. However, Cormier’s concern remains that Ngannou’s well-being might be jeopardized if he continues to dabble in boxing without honing his technical skills. "People don’t hurt Francis Ngannou, but when it happened in the [Anthony Joshua] fight, he looked lost," Cormier observed. "That’s what’s concerning to me. Because I know there will be moments in that fight with Deontay Wilder the way that he punches where he’s going to need to find safety."
The Threat of Deontay Wilder
Wilder, known for his devastating power, is a formidable opponent even in his current form. Although he is on a two-fight losing streak and has a 1-4 record in his past five bouts, his potential to deliver a knockout blow is still a significant risk. Cormier, who was Wilder’s teammate on the U.S. Olympic team, emphasized the unique dangers posed by Wilder’s style. "I thought the most dangerous fight for Francis was Deontay Wilder because Deontay Wilder, who I was on the Olympic team with, is more free and also less technical," Cormier said. "So the punches may be loopy. He may throw them from odd angles. But he has this unbelievable power that allows you to go to sleep."
The Financial Incentive
Despite the risks, it’s clear that the financial incentives in boxing are a major draw for Ngannou. He reportedly earned substantial paydays for his fights against Fury and Joshua, and a showdown with Wilder is likely to bring similar, if not larger, rewards. Cormier acknowledged the allure of these high-stakes boxing matches, particularly those held in Saudi Arabia, where the financial opportunities are immense. "You know what this statement tells me? There’s just way more money in boxing," Cormier said. "The numbers we heard about ‘Big Frank’ when he fought against Tyson Fury was crazy. Then he fights Anthony Joshua. There are guys that go through fighting their entire life boxing hoping to get one of those fights. ‘Big Frank’ got them back to back."
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Boxring
As Ngannou prepares for his next boxing match, scheduled for 2025, the question of whether the financial gains outweigh the potential risks remains unanswered. Cormier’s skepticism is rooted in his concern for Ngannou’s long-term health and well-being. "Is that enough to put yourself in a way or a spot where what happened last time could happen again?" Cormier pondered. Only time will tell if Ngannou’s gamble pays off, but one thing is certain: the world of combat sports is eager to see how this intriguing chapter unfolds.
