Francis Ngannou Sets Sights on Boxing Return, Teases Potential Deontay Wilder Showdown

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL Superfight titleholder, has made it clear that his next move will be a return to the boxing ring. Despite his recent success in MMA, Ngannou is eager to build on his boxing experience.

“My next fight will definitely be in boxing,” Ngannou stated in a recent interview. “While MMA is my primary discipline, I’m not finished with boxing yet. I want to further test myself in that arena.”

The Cameroonian powerhouse recently made a triumphant return to MMA, demolishing Renan Ferreira in the first round at PFL’s Battle of the Giants event. This marked Ngannou’s first MMA bout since departing from the UFC in early 2023. During his hiatus from the cage, Ngannou ventured into professional boxing, facing off against heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Ngannou’s desire to continue challenging himself against elite boxers has led him to consider a bout with Deontay Wilder. The prospect of this matchup excites Ngannou due to the explosive potential it holds.

“A fight between Wilder and myself would almost certainly end in a knockout,” Ngannou explained. “We’re both known for our devastating power, and there’s a sense of pride in being considered the hardest hitter.”

He continued, “Wilder has built his reputation on spectacular knockouts, and I believe I possess similar fight-ending ability. There’s an element of ego involved – we both want to prove who hits harder. Even if you try to ignore it, that competitive drive lingers in your mind.”