Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou has hinted at a return to the boxing ring and is eying up a box office blockbuster of a bout against Deontay Wilder, a fight that would no doubt prove a monstrous success in terms of fan interest.
The 38-year-old Cameroonian-French fighter took on Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in his last two fights, going the distance in the first before losing on a split decision and going down in two rounds in the second, and it appears the UFC star is keen to continue his foray into the boxing world.
The idea of a Ngannou vs Wilder bout is already drawing a great deal of interest in terms of spectators who may watch live and in person or via pay-per-view services, and you can be sure there will also be plenty of betting action. With that in mind, using this awesome Caesars promo code will help you make the most of any potential wager or, indeed, the payout you might secure from picking the winner.
Responding to what the future may hold, Ngannou has outlined some potential opponents, and as well as Wilder, he’s also suggested a fight against former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who at 48 years of age may be a less likely option than 39-year-old Wilder.
“I have a few fights left,” stated Ngannou, continuing “I focus on very few fights, not on options.”
"There’s a lot of options. [Kickboxer] Rico Verhoeven could happen, but I don’t know.”
"Rico is an option, Derek Chisora is an option, Wladimir Klitschko could be an option.”
“I want a boxing fight next, I’d prefer a boxing fight next. I think it’s also about the timing.”
"Yes, there are interesting [fights in the PFL]. Every fight that can happen, I’ll be ready to go.” Ngannou concluded.
Of these fights, Chisora and Wilder seem most likely, with a return for Klitschko to the ring, having lost his last fight against Anthony Joshua back in 2017, seems a bit of a stretch at this stage.
Ngannou impressed many during his fight with Fury, who he floored, and former UFC star-turned-comedian Brendan Schaub would be very happy to see a clash with Wilder.
“Wilder hits like a Mack truck. His defense isn’t the best, so Francis has a better opportunity to win. Francis is still an underdog in that fight, don’t get it twisted.”
“Deontay has been in there; he’s just a pure boxer. His heavyweight run, which is over, is one of the greatest of all time. One of my favorite fighters of all time, absolutely adore Deontay Wilder, worked with him many times, I f—— love the dude.”
“Francis would still be an underdog in that fight, not as much as [he was against] Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.”
“For Francis, he probably has one or two left. If he gets knocked out in this one, it’s probably over. But, he’s making all the money — that’s what we want.”
And perhaps that’s the key element here. Having faced the likes of Fury and Joshua, there’s no reason to suggest Ngannou couldn’t get in the ring with Wilder and make a good fist of it, and it’s an encounter that appears to be a genuine possibility.
