Francis Ngannou says he is in deep discussions on a two-fight boxing match against Deontay Wilder.
Ngannou was officially released from his UFC contract back in January after contract negotiations stalled. Since then, the former UFC heavyweight champion has been vocal in saying he wants to box. His interest was also facing the former WBC heavyweight champ, Wilder.
“We are looking into that because he’s available,” Ngannou said to TMZ Sports. “He’s ready for that. He’s very excited about it, he wants it. So, we are looking into that. That’s something I’m very excited about. We even discussed a potential one fight in Africa and one fight somewhere else. Why not even the two fights in Africa? We will see.”
As of the present moment, no concrete agreement has been reached between Ngannou and Wilder, though the former UFC champion affirms that negotiations are advancing in the desired direction.
Should Francis Ngannou succeed in securing a two-fight contract against Deontay Wilder, he anticipates skepticism to ensue as he is not considered a bona fide boxer. However, Ngannou remains resolute in his conviction that his immense power will enable him to deliver a knockout punch that will astound the world.
Ngannou Confident He’ll Defeat Wilder
“It’s possible. I can knock everybody out. I have to be clear about something. To hit that person you have to get a clean shot which is more about technique and experience that I don’t have. So, I’m very aware of that aspect,” Ngannou added. “It’s not like ‘hit me, I hit you, and then we see who goes down.’ It’s a combat sport. Everyone trying not to get hit. I’m thinking more about the technique or the boxing side of it. The beauty of it. Then at the end, if you get an opportunity to connect then good. If not, I’m still expecting to win that fight in the decision so that’s how I’m preparing myself.”
Francis Ngannou’s most recent bout occurred in January of 2022, during which he defended his UFC heavyweight championship title against Ciryl Gane. Ngannou hopes to terminate his layoff with a pugilistic confrontation against Deontay Wilder in the summer.
In the meantime, Wilder returned to triumph in October, attaining a first-round knockout victory over Robert Helenius after being defeated by Tyson Fury in two consecutive battles.