Former boxing world champion Deontay Wilder is looking to get a boxing match with MMA world champion Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian-born Ngannou has competed in the ring against boxing royalty and has earned gold in MMA.
Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou
Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou are two of the most formidable power punchers in combat sports. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder began boxing at the relatively late age of 20 but quickly rose through the ranks, winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. Wilder turned professional shortly after and became the WBC heavyweight champion in 2015, holding the title until 2020. He is renowned for his exceptional punching power, with a knockout-to-win percentage of 97.67%, the highest in heavyweight history. He has earned him 20 first-round knockouts in his career.
Ngannou’s journey to combat sports stardom is remarkable, overcoming poverty and homelessness to become a champion. He began his career in MMA, rising to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion before transitioning to professional boxing. Currently, he is the PFL Heavyweight World Champion, having captured this title by way of first-round KO.
Deontay Wilder, coming off recent losses, needs a high-profile win to re-establish himself at the top of the heavyweight division. For Ngannou, a victory over a former world champion like Wilder would solidify his credibility as a boxer. The potential fight between Wilder and Ngannou would be a clash of two of the hardest hitters in combat sports.
Deontay Wilder, in a recent interview with TMZ, discussed how his mental state currently is coming off of a recent KO loss. He explained:
“We’re still going. We’re still here. We’re just getting things together. You know, handling a lot of stuff. I’ve had a lot of outside distractions that I had to get rid of. A lot of burdens I was carrying. I’ve taken care of a lot of people, but it got to a point where I couldn’t do it anymore. I can’t take care of everybody. Even the people closest to me, you know? I’ve been betrayed. I’ve been betrayed so many times, and it’s like a domino effect that’s been going on for the last five years. Anybody who’s been through betrayal knows—it’s worse than heartbreak.”
On facing Francis Ngannou, Wilder explained:
“What’s up, brother? I hope everything’s going good for you, man. I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child. I pray I never have to feel that. I hope life is treating you well, though. I’m still looking to get in the mix, talk about the fight. Francis is a powerful hitter, but you know, I’ve got a body of work that speaks for itself.
“You’re always going to have competition, always going to have a fight on your hands. That’s why you’ve got to respect every man who steps in the ring. You just never know what kind of dog they’ll bring to the fight.”