What Does the Future Hold for Francis Ngannou?

Byboxingtimmy
Francis Ngannou

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou could be set to make his debut in the boxing ring in 2023. The MMA fighter left the UFC in 2022, vacating his heavyweight belt in the process.

As a fighter who has a lot of power in his punches, he has been linked with appearing in a boxing ring throughout his career. Some of the biggest names in boxing have expressed interest in facing him. 

Ngannou defended his UFC Heavyweight Title just once before leaving the brand. He got the better of Ciryl Gane following five rounds. Having vacated his crown, it leaves the opportunity for former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones to win the belt in the highest weight division and will face Gane at UFC 285. Bones is the -175 favorite in the Jones vs Gane best odds for the main event.

Jones is a great example of a fighter who has had his issues with the UFC but has chosen to return following a three-year absence. Should he beat Gane, it could set up for a mouth-watering clash with Ngannou later in 2023.

Ngannou Linked with Deontay Wilder

Former WBC champion Deontay Wilder would make a great opponent for Ngannou should boxing be his next move. The Dark Destroyer has won 42 of his 43 victories by stoppage and is known as being one of the biggest hitters in heavyweight history.

Ngannou won his UFC Heavyweight title with a KO punch against Stipe Miocic. His punching speed and power is considered his greatest attribute. It would be fascinating to see if he could have success with his punches in a boxing ring.

After losing twice to Tyson Fury, Wilder has been pushed down the pecking order in the heavyweight division. He made a return to the ring last October and he wasted no time in that fight, knocking out Robert Helenius in the first round in New York.

Success against Wilder would give Ngannou a lot of credibility in boxing and he could then demand a shot at one of the world titles in the sport.

Ngannou Has Rubbed Shoulders with Tyson Fury 

Ngannou has appeared ringside and in the ring following some of Tyson Fury’s victories in boxing. Talks have taken place between their two parties for a super clash, but nothing has been agreed yet.

Fury will now be concentrating on unifying the heavyweight titles. He holds the WBC crown, but his aim this year will be to add the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts. To do that, he will need to beat Oleksandr Usyk in the ring.

If Fury fights Usyk and beats him, he may then turn his attention to Ngannou. The British boxer is not afraid to try something different, as we saw when he competed in WWE against Braun Strowman in 2019. Given his record, he would be the strong favorite to beat the MMA fighter.

Whatever Ngannou decides to do next, there is sure to be a lot of interest in him. He has shown himself to be one of the most explosive men in the whole of the fighting world. 

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