Francis Ngannou is a former UFC champion. Photo: PFL Instagram
If one of the motivations for leaving the UFC and going to the PFL was the desire to compete in professional boxing, Francis Ngannou seems to be taking advantage of the opportunities. This is because after measuring forces with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, now the Cameroonian may be close to sharing the ring with the American Deontay Wilder, former heavyweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC). And who says this is the boxer himself.
In an interview with Canadian journalist Ariel Helwani, in 'The Ariel Helwani Show' last Wednesday (2), Wilder confirmed the existence of negotiations for a fight with Francis Ngannou, something that has been speculated for some time.
“I don’t know how much I can say, but I will say that me and Francis, this fight has always been around. It’s come up two more times, you know what I mean, not too long ago to be exact. We’re just trying to figure out how they want the segment to go with me and Ngannou. I’m definitely interested. He’s interested as well. I think it’s just a matter of time. Timing is always the issue with all things, and then when you execute that, you get a place and a date and you get things done and then you start promoting and then things start to blow up,” said Wilder, who returns to boxing in June against Tyrrell Herndon.
D. Wilder opened the door for a duel against F. Ngannou in boxing (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter)
At 39 years old, the boxer is not going through a good moment. In his last five fights, he has been defeated on four occasions. However, a duel between Wilder and Ngannou has always been something that combat sports fans dream of. Both fighters are known for their knockout power, with a combined 55 victories in this way in both disciplines. When concluding the subject, the American was confident that the fight could happen.
“I think that’s something that’s going to be created. Something that’s being done. I mean, just putting it all together and all the details and stuff like that. People can look forward to that. I’m looking forward to it. So stay tuned,” he said.
