UFC President Dana White thinks it isn’t a good idea for Francis Ngannou to box Tyson Fury.
Ngannou has long made it clear that MMA wasn’t his first love. The reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion initially took an interest in boxing before finding out about MMA competition. While Ngannou has thrived inside the Octagon, he’s hoping to take his talents to the boxing ring.
Both Ngannou and Fury have gone back-and-forth on social media over a potential fight. Fury wants the fight to be under boxing rules inside a cage.
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: A Bad Idea?
During an interview with Barstool Sports, UFC President Dana White said he doesn’t like the sound of Francis Ngannou boxing Tyson Fury (h/t MMAJunkie.com).
“It’s a really bad idea for Francis – a really bad idea.”
White then responded to the idea that Ngannou would have a chance against Fury due to his punching power.
“So did Deontay Wilder – he had that one-punch (knockout) power, too.”
In late 2021, Ngannou told TMZ that if he is to sign a new deal with the UFC, he has to be allowed to box.
“[Boxing] has always been down the line. You know, this is something that I’m not taking my eyes off of. This is gonna happen either way. Even if I stay [in the UFC], when the UFC and I finalize a deal, the boxing part has to be into it because I can’t see myself retire without boxing.”
Back in February, Fury told ESPN’s Max Kellerman that he’s focused on Dillian Whyte at the moment but he’s very much intrigued by the matchup.
“Yeah he is definitely a machine, that’s for sure. He is definitely a good puncher and all that and let’s face it, it’s not a wrestling match or no grabbing or anything.
“It is just a stand-up punching battle with small gloves on. He’s got big power, so have I and whoever lands first gets [the other guy] knocked out. So I’d be interested in that. But like I say, Dillian Whyte is a much more harder challenge than Francis Ngannou at this moment for me, so I only focus on Dillian Whyte for the next fight.”
