Francis Ngannou, fresh from a commendable boxing debut against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, has expressed a strong desire for a rematch. Despite dropping Fury in the third round and delivering a performance that surpassed many expectations, Ngannou found himself on the losing end of a close split decision last Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Firm in his belief that he should have been declared the victor, Ngannou has labeled the outcome a “robbery” and is now keen on running it back with Fury.
Currently contracted with the PFL, Ngannou has yet to compete in MMA under the organization but has outlined his ideal scenario: a boxing rematch with Fury, potentially sidelining Oleksandr Usyk, who is set to face Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title. Ngannou’s vision includes stepping aside for Fury-Usyk after their rematch, then returning to MMA before pursuing more boxing bouts later in the year.
Ngannou’s plans hinge on the boxing and MMA schedules aligning, with the fighter looking to compete twice in the next year—once in MMA around February or March and then focusing on boxing towards the end of the year. Despite his ambitions, the likelihood of Usyk stepping aside and Ngannou getting an immediate rematch with Fury remains slim, given the current heavyweight boxing landscape and Fury’s commitments.
The Cameroonian fighter’s determination to balance both MMA and boxing competitions showcases his versatility and desire to excel in multiple combat sports. As he awaits the unfolding of events, Ngannou remains focused on his goals, ready to adapt his plans based on the opportunities that arise in both the boxing ring and the MMA cage.
Image Credit: Sky Sports