The Predator’s Next Move
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL Superfight champion, has a clear path forward in his fighting career: a return to the boxing ring. In a recent interview with Sportsbook Review, Ngannou expressed his enthusiasm for boxing, stating, "I will do boxing next. I want to. I’m not done with boxing." Despite his extensive experience in mixed martial arts (MMA), Ngannou acknowledges that his heart is set on testing himself against the top boxers in the heavyweight division. This decision comes as no surprise given his recent foray into boxing, where he faced off against some of the sport’s biggest names.
A Journey in MMA and Boxing
Ngannou’s recent fight against Renan Ferreira at PFL Battle of the Giants marked his return to MMA after leaving the UFC in early 2023. The Predator’s victory was quick and decisive, showcasing his undeniable power and skill. However, his time outside the octagon has been equally eventful. Ngannou competed in the boxing ring twice in 2023, first losing a razor-close decision to Tyson Fury in October, and then suffering a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua five months later. These experiences, while challenging, have only fueled his desire to continue in boxing and prove himself against the best.
The Wilder Challenge
Deontay Wilder, a formidable force in the heavyweight boxing division, is one of the next big challenges Ngannou is eyeing. Wilder, known for his explosive power and knockout prowess, presents a dangerous opponent. Ngannou is acutely aware of the risks involved, but he is equally confident in his own abilities. "Because there’s an 80 percent chance that somebody will go to sleep," Ngannou said, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the fight. "It will be one or the other." This statement underscores the potential for a thrilling, action-packed bout that could leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Ego and Legacy
The matchup between Ngannou and Wilder is not just about the physical confrontation; it’s also about ego and legacy. Ngannou admitted, "Maybe not in his past two fights, but Deontay Wilder is known as a guy that knocks everybody out or tries to knock you out. I’m going against that guy, and I myself can knock someone out. Deep inside me there is a little bit of ego, like I know I hit harder." This ego-driven motivation is a common thread in the world of professional fighting, where reputations are built and destroyed in the ring. The vocal debates and discussions about who is the strongest and most powerful hitter are part of what drives athletes to push their limits and seek out the toughest challenges.
Experience and Ambition
Ngannou brings a wealth of experience to the table, having dominated the heavyweight division in MMA for several years. His transition to boxing, while still nascent, has shown promise and resilience. "From my experience that we will have that ego that we both want to prove ‘no, it’s me.’ ‘Who is the biggest hitter between you and Deontay?’ Those sorts of conversations are popping around a little bit, and even though you think you don’t care about it, it sticks somewhere in your mind," he explained. Ngannou’s ambition to establish himself as a top-heavyweight boxer is driven not just by the desire to win, but also by the need to silence critics and prove his versatility as a fighter.
A Future in the Ring
As Ngannou prepares for his next fight, the boxing world watches with keen interest. The potential for a Wilder matchup is generating significant buzz, and fans are eager to see how The Predator will fare against one of the division’s most explosive punchers. Ngannou’s journey through both MMA and boxing demonstrates his adaptability and determination. Whether he returns to the PFL octagon or steps back into the boxing ring, one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou will continue to challenge himself and entertain fans with his explosive style and unrelenting drive.
