Despite currently holding a 0-1 record, Francis Ngannou has made significant progress in his boxing career. On his debut, Ngannou headlined the event billed as ‘Battle of the Baddest’ with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Even though he lost the fight by split decision, many in the boxing world believed Ngannou did enough to win. Now, ‘The Predator’ is scheduled to face former unified boxing champion Anthony Joshua in a pay-per-view event in March, billed as ‘Knockout Chaos‘.
Francis Ngannou eyeing fight with Deontay Wilder
Francis Ngannou has already squared off against one of the best heavyweight boxers of his generation, Tyson Fury, and is set to face another formidable opponent in Anthony Joshua soon. In an interview with Sky Sports’ MMA Club, Ngannou expressed his clear intentions to take on one of the most powerful strikers in boxing history, Deontay Wilder.
“Top three guys that I’ve always had are Fury, Joshua, and Wilder,” Ngannou stated regarding his boxing aspirations. “Wilder better get it together because I’m not done. I want that name on my record,” Ngannou further added, hinting at his interest in facing Deontay Wilder, who is presently on a losing streak.
The prospect of a Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder fight is highly intriguing, given both fighters’ renowned phenomenal knockout power. Ngannou’s statements in the interview clearly show his determination to face the ‘Bronze Bomber’. Wilder boasts knockout victories in 42 of his 43 professional boxing bouts and is considered one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history.
Turki Al-Sheikh, the Saudi Adviser to the Royal Court, had previously expressed interest in having the winner of Ngannou vs. Joshua face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury. The latter two are set to headline the pay-per-view event billed as ‘Reign of Fire‘ in February 2024.
Deontay Wilder speaks on possible Francis Ngannou fight
Deontay Wilder recently competed in the co-main event of ‘Day of Reckoning’ but suffered a loss via unanimous decision to New Zealand’s Joseph Parker. Prior to the fight, Wilder expressed his interest in facing Ngannou during an interview with Morning Kombat’s Brian Campbell.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Wilder said in the interview, indicating that a potential fight between him and Ngannou could indeed happen. Ngannou is signed with the PFL, which has plans to arrange a special rule fight between the two knockout artists inside the PFL cage.
“You know what they say, ‘Good things come to those who wait,'” Wilder further commented on his plans to fight Ngannou, suggesting that the bout will happen later rather than sooner. With Ngannou set to face Joshua in March and Wilder currently without a lined-up fight, there’s a possibility that the showdown could take place in mid-2024.
Wilder maintained an undefeated record in his professional boxing career but faced two losses to Tyson Fury, leading to him losing the WBC title. Since his initial bout with Fury, which ended in a split draw, Wilder has achieved a 3-3 win-loss record in boxing.
Who do you think will win a fight between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder? Leave your prediction below!
