In a remarkable display, Francis Ngannou not only held his own against Tyson Fury for 10 intense rounds but also pushed the heavyweight boxing champion to a closely contested split decision, sparking debate over the outcome. Following this impressive performance, Ngannou finds himself inundated with potential opportunities in both MMA and boxing.
Despite having a multi-fight deal with the PFL, Ngannou is entertaining the prospect of a lucrative venture in boxing. The options on the table include a potentially profitable rematch with Fury or engaging in bouts with heavyweight stalwarts like Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.
While PFL commentator Dan Hardy expresses a desire for Ngannou to return to MMA, he acknowledges that “The Predator” sought out one of the toughest challenges in his professional boxing debut and came close to pulling off a major upset against Tyson Fury. The unfolding scenario presents Ngannou with a crossroads, as he navigates the enticing possibilities in both MMA and the lucrative landscape of professional boxing.
“He’s tall, he’s got great upper body movement, great defense. Then you look at somebody like Anthony Joshua or a Joe Joyce, they’re a little more upright, they don’t necessarily take a punch quite as well. They definitely don’t regroup as well as Tyson Fury does.
“I feel like he’s taken on the stiffest test and proved himself. So the door is definitely wide open for him in boxing and say you put somebody like a Deontay Wilder in there. You’ve got two of the most thunderous punchers on the planet. But again, stylistically for Ngannou, there are holes in Deontay Wilder’s game that can be exploited when he’s punching. Honestly, I think all the doors are open for him. We could be looking at someone that can hold the WBC and the PFL title at the same time.”
Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn already started pushing for an eventual showdown against Ngannou while touting that the 2012 Olympic gold medalist in boxing would dispatch the ex-UFC champion in devastating fashion.
