Despite taking a crushing right hand from Anthony Joshua in March, a blow that would have likely ended most people's foray into boxing, Francis Ngannou remains in the game.
The former UFC heavyweight champion is not your average fighter. His journey has been marked by hardship, and it's clear that Ngannou, now 37, is built to withstand more than just physical blows—whether in a boxing ring or an MMA cage.
On October 19, Ngannou will return to the sport where he first made his name—MMA—in a heavyweight clash against Renan Ferreira. Yet, even as he steps back into the cage, Ngannou is quick to clarify that his boxing ambitions are still very much alive.
"I never left MMA. Also, I haven't left boxing," Ngannou told BBC Sport. "I'm not returning to MMA, I never left MMA. That's the confusion."
Before his bout with Joshua, Ngannou shocked the boxing world with a surprisingly strong performance against Tyson Fury last October. Though he lost by a split decision, Ngannou managed to knock down the former world heavyweight champion in the third round—a moment that caught the attention of boxing fans and pundits alike. His display of power against Fury led many to believe that Ngannou had the potential to make a serious impact in the sport of boxing, prompting calls for him to take on Joshua in what was ultimately his second professional boxing match.
Watch Ngannou vs. Joshua highlights: Watch
Now, as Ngannou prepares for his return to MMA, questions remain about whether he will continue to pursue boxing. While he may have experienced firsthand the stark differences between the two sports, Ngannou’s determination suggests that he might not be finished with the "noble art" just yet. As of August, his record stands at 0-2 as a boxer, but that hasn’t dampened his resolve.
Keep in mind that there was a rematch clause in Fury vs. Ngannou contract, more about that here.
Image Credit: DAZN