Matt Brown advises Francis Ngannou to abandon the idea of a warmup fight in boxing and instead pursue a lucrative opportunity against top-tier opponents. Ngannou, who is determined to venture into boxing, wants to test his skills in a preliminary bout before stepping into the professional ring. However, Brown, an experienced UFC welterweight and boxing enthusiast, warns that this approach could lead to disaster. While Ngannou possesses formidable weapons in MMA, there is no data to indicate whether he will achieve the same level of success in another combat sport. Brown urges Ngannou to forgo facing an unknown but more experienced heavyweight and instead seek a marquee matchup against established names such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or Deontay Wilder.
In Brown’s view, Ngannou should prioritize securing a significant payday rather than taking unnecessary risks. Brown emphasizes that Ngannou has no prior boxing experience, lacking the amateur career or Olympic background that would provide insights into his potential success. Therefore, Brown advises him to seize the opportunity for a substantial payday and avoid wasting time on uncertain ventures.
Ngannou has expressed his long-standing dream of transitioning to boxing, initially desiring to pursue the sport before entering MMA, where he achieved great success as the UFC heavyweight champion. After leaving the UFC and joining the PFL, Ngannou’s contract permits him to pursue boxing matches, and he is expected to make his debut before the end of 2023. While he has hinted at a warmup fight, Ngannou has engaged in social media exchanges with fighters like Fury, indicating his preference for high-profile opponents even during his UFC tenure.
Brown believes that Fury would pose the greatest challenge for Ngannou if his goal is to win a boxing match. Nonetheless, Brown does not completely discount Ngannou’s chances against other top-ranked heavyweights. He suggests that Ngannou might have a better opportunity against Anthony Joshua due to the latter’s vulnerability to punches. Although Joshua is a superior and highly experienced boxer, his chin has been a longstanding weakness, and if Ngannou can display his power, he might intimidate Joshua. Brown emphasizes that he respects Joshua as an exceptional fighter, but acknowledges his susceptibility to taking shots.
Brown also highlights the potential excitement of a match between Ngannou and another power puncher like Deontay Wilder, comparing it to two explosive forces colliding. However, such a fight carries significant risks. On the other hand, Brown praises Joshua as a world-class boxer, making him the most suitable choice for Ngannou. With Joshua being less likely to deliver a knockout blow, Ngannou, despite being an underdog, possesses one-punch knockout power that could significantly impact the outcome. Moreover, Ngannou’s popularity guarantees substantial interest from both the UK and the US audience.
Regardless of his opponent, Brown believes that Ngannou should capitalize on the current momentum and genuine interest in his boxing debut, particularly if he faces one of the division’s top heavyweights. Otherwise, a lackluster performance against an unknown opponent could jeopardize his chances of securing high-profile fights in the future. Brown acknowledges that although Ngannou’s abilities in MMA are impressive, boxing presents a completely different challenge. Only by witnessing Ngannou in the boxing ring can any definitive conclusions be drawn about his chances against these established fighters, making the outcome highly uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about boxing debut
What advice does Matt Brown give to Francis Ngannou regarding his boxing career?
Matt Brown advises Francis Ngannou to skip warmup fights and go straight for marquee matchups against established names like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or Deontay Wilder. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing a big payday and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Why does Matt Brown recommend Ngannou to avoid warmup fights?
Matt Brown believes that warmup fights in boxing pose a risk for Francis Ngannou. Despite Ngannou’s impressive skills in MMA, there is no guarantee of his success in another combat sport. Brown suggests that pursuing marquee matchups against top-tier opponents will provide Ngannou with better opportunities and financial rewards.
Who does Matt Brown consider the most suitable opponent for Ngannou in boxing?
According to Matt Brown, Anthony Joshua is the most suitable opponent for Francis Ngannou in the boxing ring. While Joshua is a highly skilled and experienced boxer, he has been known to have vulnerabilities, particularly his ability to take shots. Brown believes that Ngannou’s one-punch knockout power could potentially exploit this weakness and give him a chance to succeed.
What are the potential risks of facing an unknown heavyweight in a warmup fight?
The risks of facing an unknown heavyweight in a warmup fight are significant. Matt Brown highlights the lack of data and uncertainty surrounding Ngannou’s boxing abilities. A lackluster performance or defeat against an unknown opponent could negatively impact Ngannou’s chances of securing high-profile fights against established names in the division.
Why is Ngannou allowed to pursue boxing matches while being contracted with the PFL?
As part of Francis Ngannou’s contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he is granted the freedom to pursue boxing matches alongside his MMA career. This allows Ngannou to explore his passion for boxing and potentially expand his combat sports repertoire beyond the confines of the UFC.
More about boxing debut
- Matt Brown Advises Francis Ngannou to Pursue Big Payday in Boxing
- Francis Ngannou Pursues Boxing Career, Considers Warmup Fight
- Matt Brown’s Thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Debut
- Francis Ngannou’s Transition from MMA to Boxing
