Deontay Wilder: A Potential Fight with Francis Ngannou Could Become Reality
Deontay Wilder believes that a boxing match against Francis Ngannou is not just wishful thinking. The former WBC heavyweight champion recently made an appearance backstage at PFL 4, where he expressed his interest in a potential fight with Ngannou, who is currently the highest-profile free agent acquisition for the tournament-based MMA promotion.
Wilder’s presence at the event suggests that PFL is actively exploring the possibility of arranging a boxing match between the two fighters. Interestingly, Wilder has also shown openness to the idea of trying his hand at MMA and exchanging a boxing match with Ngannou for an MMA fight.
During an interview backstage, Wilder informed MMA Hook that he is nearly 99 percent close to securing his next fight, which is expected to be against fellow former champion Anthony Joshua towards the end of the year. However, he acknowledged the possibility that the Joshua fight might fall through, leaving him available for a potential matchup with Ngannou.
“While I’m not certain about the exact date in December, anything and everything is possible,” Wilder stated. “Francis and I have had discussions, and both parties, including our teams, have been involved. This is a genuine conversation that has been taking place, not only within the combat sports community but also between the teams. We have been on the phone, talking and exploring the possibilities.”
Wilder emphasized that the potential fight with Ngannou is a realistic option. He expressed his belief that the best is yet to come and hinted at many exciting things in the pipeline. However, he also acknowledged that actions speak louder than words and reassured fans that discussions are ongoing, but the outcome remains uncertain.
In a follow-up interview, Wilder even tried on a pair of PFL gloves and directly addressed Ngannou, who has expressed his desire to compete in boxing as one of the reasons behind his decision to fulfill his UFC contract as champion.
“Hey Francis, are you listening?” Wilder said with a smile. “We’ve talked about this before, and there’s plenty of space and opportunity to discuss it further. I’m interested in a two-fight deal, crossing over to both disciplines.”
Ngannou is expected to make his PFL debut in 2024 after venturing into professional boxing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about boxing match
Can we expect a boxing match between Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou?
Deontay Wilder has expressed his interest in a potential boxing match with Francis Ngannou. Both fighters have had discussions, and there is a genuine conversation taking place between their teams. While Wilder’s next fight is expected to be against Anthony Joshua, there is a chance that it might not happen, opening up the possibility for a fight with Ngannou. However, the outcome is uncertain, and we’ll have to wait and see if this exciting crossover matchup becomes a reality.
