Francis Ngannou should return to boxing next: Exploring his options after Deontay Wilder's callout
Francis Ngannou was recently mentioned as a potential opponent for Deontay Wilder, who is mapping out his return to boxing following a crushing TKO loss to Zhilei Zhang. This isn't the first time that 'The Bronze Bomber' has shown an interest in fighting Ngannou, but now it's more possible than ever.
Ngannou is coming off a dominant TKO win at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, where he dethroned Renan Ferreira and captured the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight title in a triumphant homecoming.
However, now is the time for him to return to boxing, and there are several reasons why that is.
Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder could benefit the PFL
At first glance, Francis Ngannou accepting another boxing match after just returning to MMA seems nonsensical. However, his current career path deserves more scrutiny. He just TKO'd Renan Ferreira to become the first-ever PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion.
The win solidified the idea that Ngannou may very well still be the world's best heavyweight. After all, he was never beaten for his UFC heavyweight title. But after decimating Ferreira, who else is there in the PFL for Ngannou to face who is an interesting matchup fans will care to see?
Check out Francis Ngannou TKO'ing Renan Ferreira:
Ferreira was a compelling challenge due to his knockout power and the fact that 'The Predator' was coming off a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in boxing. But the rest of the PFL is filled with unknown fighters with no name value or an impressive-enough skill-set to excite even the hardcore fanbase.
Ferreira was the best it had to offer and Ngannou ran through him. Bellator, which was acquired by the PFL, has similar issues. Ryan Bader is the only notable fighter as its heavyweight champion, and he was recently TKO'd by Ferreira himself. The only reason Ngannou would fight him would be to collect his belt.
But, is that justifiable enough to book him in a matchup with the man who got knocked out by the one he just knocked out? If he faces Deontay Wilder in a boxing match, it opens the door for an MMA fight between the two. After all, Wilder has been the only men's boxer who seems willing to accept a two-fight deal.
He has even appeared on the PFL broadcast, expressing an interest in MMA. It's the only other compelling fight Ngannou could have given his circumstances, but it will only be possible if the PFL allows Ngannou to box Wilder first, as the latter is unlikely to just step into the SmartCage to get slaughtered in MMA.
"I said, 'Well, how about you come to my backyard and after we handle business, I can come to yours and cross over?' And I really meant it."
Check out Deontay Wilder talk about fighting Francis Ngannou in MMA (1:26):
It would also be the biggest fight the PFL could book. The promotion has no real drawing power, but a crossover fight between Ngannou and Wilder would almost certainly generate more hype than anything else they can book. Wilder is a big name, and the novelty of seeing a boxer enter the cage would be irresistible.
Furthermore, the PFL's affiliation with the Saudis means it is the only MMA promotion willing to negotiate with the kinds of demands that both Ngannou and Wilder would bring to the table.
A match-up with Deontay Wilder could be Francis Ngannou's chance to redeem his boxing career
Francis Ngannou's last boxing match was disastrous. He took on British icon Anthony Joshua, who annihilated him in just two rounds. 'The Predator' was knocked down twice, before being knocked out cold in round two. It was a stark difference from his prior boxing match with Tyson Fury.
Ngannou gave a good account of himself against 'The Gypsy King,' knocking him down in round three and landing more power punches throughout the bout. Nevertheless, he was branded the loser in the ensuing split-decision, causing uproar, with many regarding the outcome as a robbery.
Check out Francis Ngannou dropping Tyson Fury:
To wash away the bitter taste of his winless boxing stint, he ought to fight one more time. After all, Ngannou already feels like boxing owes him. So, why not box Deontay Wilder? First, it is a very winnable fight, as 'The Bronze Bomber' is neither a technician nor particularly skilled.
Instead, he is freakishly powerful and little else. If anyone has a big enough deficit in skill for Ngannou to do well against, it's Wilder. Moreover, Wilder is 1-4 in his last five fights, on a two-fight losing streak, with three of the aforementioned four losses being stoppages. He is a shell of his former self.
Wilder doesn't fight the same way he used to either. His offense has looked listless as of late, and his aggression held back by an inability to pull the trigger. He is more than beatable for Ngannou, and it is a chance for the former UFC heavyweight champion to repair his image as a crossover boxer.
Fortunately for Ngannou, Wilder's recent TMZ interview revealed his continued interest in facing him.
"Yeah, that's a combination, I'm still to get in there in the mix and talk about [fighting Francis Ngannou]."
Check out Deontay Wilder talk about boxing Francis Ngannou (1:55):
Lastly, at 38 years old, with his combat sports career nearing its end, it is Ngannou's final chance at a massive payday: one he ought to take before riding into the sunset.