Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou ventured into professional boxing last October. He made his debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Despite a controversial split decision loss to the reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Ngannou’s ambition in the boxing realm remains undeterred.
Ngannou recently confirmed that there have been “conversations” about a possible mixed-rules match between him and former WBC heavyweight boxing world champion Deontay Wilder.
Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder has been absent from the ring since his impressive first-round knockout against Robert Helenius in Brooklyn last year.
Wilder is scheduled to make a comeback to the ring later this month when he co-headlines another high-profile event in Saudi Arabia against former world title contender Joseph Parker. Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin will also be featured on the main card.
Ngannou has been connected to a number of possible opponents for his upcoming match. He has even rejected a matchup with Derek Chisora. Nevertheless, Ngannou said that a matchup involving Wilder may be imminent.
Ngannou expressed his preference for challenging the best in the sport. In an interview with The Last Stand podcast, he said: “I prefer to fight only the top fighters. Why did I fight Tyson Fury? Because he is the top of the game, I wanted to get in there at the top and I want the best. I want the big fights, the big show. I want everything big. At the end of the day, it is a sport, we do what we have to do.”
Addressing rumors surrounding a mixed-rules bout with Wilder, Ngannou confirmed ongoing discussions. He added: “The conversation of a mixed rules fight with Deontay Wilder is true, because even before this fight [against Tyson Fury], we have been having discussions.”
With talks about a potential showdown gaining momentum, the prospect of witnessing these heavyweight powerhouses collide is definitely a treat for the fans.