Deontay Wilder has confirmed that a long-awaited fight with Francis Ngannou is closer than ever. In an April 2, 2025, interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former boxing champ revealed ongoing talks, sparking excitement for a heavyweight showdown between two of combat sports’ biggest punchers.
Deontay Wilder Teases the Matchup
“I don’t know how much I can say, but I’m going to say on this part, me and Francis, that fight’s always been, it still comes up,” Deontay Wilder said. “It came 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.”
The 39-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, added:
“I’m definitely interested. He is, as well. I guess it’s just a matter of a time. Time is always the matter of all things, and then when you execute that, you get a place and a date and you get things and then you start the promoting and then things get popping.”
He kept it short but optimistic.
“I think that’s something that’s going to be created. Something that’s looking to be done. I mean, just getting everything together and all the details and stuff like that,” Deontay Wilder said. “People can look forward to that. I’m looking forward to that one. So, stay tuned.”
Deontay Wilder, “The Bronze Bomber,” held the WBC heavyweight boxing title from 2015 to 2020, with a record of 43 wins and 42 knockouts. He’s set to fight Tyrrell Herndon on June 27, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, after losing four of his last five bouts.
Francis Ngannou, a 38-year-old from Batié, Cameroon, left UFC as heavyweight champ in 2023, joined PFL, and knocked out Renan Ferreira in October 2024. He also dropped Tyson Fury in a 2023 boxing match but lost by decision.
Announced fresh on April 1, 2025, by Dana White, these talks signal a fight fans have wanted for years. Deontay Wilder’s power and Francis Ngannou’s strength could make this one of 2025’s biggest events once a date and place are set.
