Francis Ngannou says "it's time" to make Tyson Fury super fight happen, calls out another top heavyweight boxer

Francis Ngannou has asserted that it's time to make his long-awaited super fight against legendary pugilist Tyson Fury a reality.

Additionally, Ngannou named boxing megastar Anthony Joshua as the alternative if the Fury fight doesn't materialize.

After a long-running contract dispute with the UFC, Ngannou parted ways with the organization and was stripped of his UFC heavyweight title. As announced by UFC president Dana White earlier this month, Ngannou is now a free agent.

Francis Ngannou's next opponent -- be it in boxing, MMA, or another combat sport -- hasn't been officially finalized yet. Nevertheless, it's believed that the veteran MMA star could face WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury in a boxing match or a hybrid/mixed rules fight this year.

Francis Ngannou has named Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as his two primary boxing targets now that he's a free agent: "I don't know where he [Fury] is at right now, but I'm going to find out. Before I couldn't do anything concrete. Now we can. So it's time." [@MMAFighting]

In his latest appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou recalled that he couldn't fully commit to the Fury showdown while under a UFC contract but can do so now.

The 36-year-old brought up the uncertainty around Fury's career status, pointing out that the Brit has retired multiple times in recent years. Regardless, Ngannou stated:

"I don't know where he [Fury] is at right now, but I'm going to find out. Before, I couldn't do anything concrete. Now we can. So it's time."

Watch Ngannou's interview with Helwani below:

Furthermore, Ngannou suggested that he's willing to fight Fury in a hybrid/mixed rules fight or even in a professional boxing bout:

"Well, whatever it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with four-ounce gloves."

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When asked who he'd like to fight in his first boxing match, 'The Predator' simply noted:

"Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua."

Check out Ngannou's comments in the video below:

.@francis_ngannou names Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as ideal opponents for a potential first boxing match 🥊 #TheMMAHour

▶️ youtu.be/0vngym7ChcM https://t.co/cFX4tZGXal

When Michael Bisping broke down Francis Ngannou's chances in a boxing match against Tyson Fury

Back in April last year, Michael Bisping indicated that Francis Ngannou would likely lose a boxing match against Tyson Fury.

During a live session on his YouTube channel, Bisping notably added that Ngannou's otherworldly punching power would still give him a puncher's chance against Fury.

Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury in a boxing ring with MMA gloves. Hybrid rules. That's the pitch. Wow. #FuryWhyte
https://t.co/lAnGPuSrX7

Breaking down the Ngannou-Fury fantasy boxing matchup, 'The Count' explained that Francis Ngannou possesses the confidence to move forward and anything's possible if 'The Predator' connects on 'The Gypsy King.'

Bisping noted that he'd love to see the fight and stated:

"I would want to see Francis Ngannou make ridiculous amounts of money. I think Tyson Fury would box his [Ngannou's] head off. But Francis is a big man, he can take it, you know."

Watch Bisping's assessment below: