Francis Ngannou’s recent spectacular performance against WBC champion Tyson Fury has earned him a spot in the top ten heavyweight rankings of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Sources from the ongoing WBC Convention 61 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, have revealed that Ngannou’s impressive display has secured him the tenth position, making him eligible for a world title shot.
The WBC, currently convening in Tashkent, has scheduled its final ranking session and mandatory fights for champions next Wednesday. However, Ngannou’s case took an early spotlight, with indications that he will be ranked tenth, paving the way for a potential world championship opportunity.
Ngannou’s surprising performance against reigning champion Tyson Fury captivated audiences during a major event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the end of October. Despite losing by a split decision in the official bout, Ngannou visibly marked Fury’s face and sent him to the canvas in the third round unexpectedly.
Even in defeat, Ngannou’s resilience and skill drew recognition from Fury himself, who acknowledged Ngannou’s commendable performance. While Fury believed he had done enough to secure victory and maintain his undefeated record, the stage is now set for an anticipated unification battle against another division champion, Oleksandr Usyk, purportedly in February.
Despite Ngannou’s existing contract with PFL, discussions about his potential return to professional boxing have been buzzing. Names like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and even Dereck Chisora have been linked to possible matchups. Ngannou, a former UFC Heavyweight champion, was expected to debut in PFL in mid-2024.
As of now, the WBC officially ranks Tyson Fury as its champion, with the current top ten comprising Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sánchez, Andy Ruiz, Jared Anderson, Efe Ajagba, Dillian Whyte, Martin Bakole, and Joseph Parker. Wednesday’s updated rankings are eagerly anticipated, featuring Ngannou’s inclusion in the mix.