(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Francis Ngannou Eyes Boxing Showdown with Deontay Wilder
Francis Ngannou has long expressed interest in facing Deontay Wilder in a boxing match, and now it seems the conversation is finally happening.
“We haven’t engaged personally yet, but it’s going to be soon,” Ngannou revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show. “We are setting some things up.”
Ngannou’s Journey from UFC to Boxing
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, left mixed martial arts in early 2023 and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Since then, he has focused more on professional boxing.
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In his pro boxing debut, Ngannou challenged then-heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October 2023, even dropping Fury in the third round before narrowly losing via split decision.
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In March 2024, Anthony Joshua defeated Ngannou by knockout in a one-sided fight.
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Ngannou also faced personal tragedy in April 2024 when his 15-month-old son passed away.
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Returning to MMA in October 2024, Ngannou claimed the PFL heavyweight title after a first-round stoppage over Renan Ferreira. His MMA record now stands at 18-3, with 17 wins by KO or submission.
Deontay Wilder’s Career Highlights
Wilder, with a record of 44-4-1 (43 KOs), was a dominant heavyweight titleholder before losing to Fury in 2020. He engaged in two more high-profile fights against Fury, including an 11th-round defeat in 2021.
After periods of inactivity and setbacks, Wilder returned to the ring in June 2025, scoring a seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. Wilder has expressed interest in facing Ngannou, saying in a recent interview, “I’m definitely interested.”
What’s Next?
If the fight materializes, it will pit two of the most powerful heavyweights from MMA and boxing against each other. Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation as Ngannou and Wilder continue their preparations.
