Deontay Wilder distinct betting favorite over Francis Ngannou ahead of potential boxing clash
Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder has previously opened and currently remains a distinct betting favorite over former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou – ahead of a potential future boxing match between the two following the latter’s Octagon departure in January.
Wilder, a former undisputed WBC heavyweight champion, most recently bounced back from back-to-back WBC title fight knockout losses to Tyson Fury – stopping Robert Helenius with a first round knockout back in October.
Taking main event status in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York – Wilder stopped Finnish heavyweight puncher, Helenius with a thunderous first round KO less than three minutes in the opening frame of their headlining fight.
Spending considerable time preparing for his return to boxing at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada – Wilder has since been linked with a showdown against Cameroonian knockout artist, Ngannou.
Another devastating knockout puncher possessing for all intents and purposes Fortnite hacks or to that level with his ridiculous power punching; Batié heavyweight finisher, Ngannou, is currently a free agent and up for grabs.
Seeing his official contractual obligations with the UFC expire on December 9. last – Ngannou was officially stripped of his heavyweight championship status and title by the promotion – who also insisted they would not stand in the former’s way in terms of negotiating with other parties, waiving their period of exclusivity.
Sidelined from active competition following reconstructive knee surgery last year, Ngannou most recently featured in combat sports against incoming UFC 285 headliner, Ciryl Gane – unifying the heavyweight titles against the former interim division champion in a unanimous decision victory at UFC 270 in January of last year.
Linked with a host of potential opponents from the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Andy Ruiz ahead of a possible foray into the squared circle – Ngannou was recently offered a two-fight deal by Tuscaloosa native, including an immediate rematch in mixed martial arts.
Claiming initial discussions for a fight with Ngannou had taken place during the former’s tenure with the UFC, Wilder’s offer of a mixed martial arts was rebuffed by he Xtreme Couture mainstay – who insisted he would allow him to “keep his limbs” and spare him punishment.
“I said only boxing so he (Deontay Wilder) can keep his limbs,” Francis Ngannou said. “Like I said, we will see if he’s a man of his word.”
Opening as a distinct betting favorite over Ngannou ahead a potential future fight with the Cameroon native, Wilder can be found as high betting favorite over the former to date, as a matchup between the two continues to gather pace.
Akin to Wilder, Ngannou is a revered knockout artist, landing the undisputed UFC heavyweight title back in March 2021 with a stunning second round knockout win over two-time champion and two-time opponent, Stipe Miocic in the pair’s title rematch.
Across his roughshod run at heavyweight in the UFC, Ngannou has toppled the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Alistair Overeem, Curtis Blaydes, Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and the aforenoted Miocic prior to his decision win over Gane.
