Francis Ngannou’s coach has disclosed that Francis is extremely close to beginning his professional boxing career and that former WBC champion Deontay Wilder is his top pick for a debut battle at the moment.
Francis Ngannou has been public about his plans for the future ever since he left the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has stated that he wants to begin boxing professionally and that his ultimate goal is to compete against heavyweight legend Tyson
I love to see these dudes standing up for each other. Just pay that man what he’s worth. #boxing #francisngannou #deontaywilder pic.twitter.com/8WFzw1b0m7
— Mainey Monroe (@BuffBlackHobbit) February 14, 2023
However, according to Eric Nicksick, Ngannou’s head coach, they have kept other alternatives open if they are unable to strike an immediate agreement with Tyson Fury.
In an interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Eric explained the specific plan that they have developed for Francis, as well as the potential opponents that they have been mulling over and considering reaching out to.
“We spoke all last week on probably doing boxing first. That sounds like what he wants to do. We were talking about some different boxing trainers we might try to bring in, locations of where he might try to go.” said Eric.
Alex Pereira thinks boxing Tyson Fury would be "suicide" for Francis Ngannou 😬
More from @guicruzzz 📰 https://t.co/Gl85EZsOZ6 pic.twitter.com/6uaZEreXR2
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 16, 2023
After seven years and 14 bouts inside the octagon, former heavyweight champion Francis decided to leave UFC with a 12-2 record. It was reported earlier that the Cameroonian-French fighter, largely considered the most fearsome fighter in UFC history, has indicated an interest in testing his skills in the boxing ring as well.
Bellator champ Ryan Bader welcomed a clash with UFC champ Francis Ngannou 🏆
Full story: https://t.co/enxgAdxaeN pic.twitter.com/ic4clW7usW
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 21, 2023
Even though Tyson Fury is their top choice, The Predator’s head coach mentioned a few other names as potential opponents for Ngannou. These names include Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz, and Deontay Wilder, but The Predator’s head coach believes that Deontay Wilder is the most plausible alternative right now.
“I’ve heard all these different names kind of pop up. But the one that sounds like the most intriguing to Francis has been definitely the Wilder fight. So we’ll see how this transpires and what’s gonna happen, but I’m just glad to have him home and back in the gym.” Nicksick further added.
To name just a few, Predator has won bouts against UFC heavyweights Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes, Junior dos Santos, and Alistair Overeem. How certain are you that The Predator will also be a kingpin of boxing ring ?
