Francis Ngannou is looking for a do-over with Tyson Fury and is willing to sit on the sidelines for it to happen.
While speaking with TMZ Sports, Francis Ngannou spoke about his future in boxing including the potential for a repeat showdown with the undefeated Fury, who eked out a heavily debated split decision win over the former UFC champion just weeks ago in Saudi Arabia.
After wowing the combat sports world by knocking down Fury and nearly handing the “Gyspy King” his first loss, Francis Ngannou has no shortage of opponents open to him in the squared circle.
While offers like Matchroom Promotions head Eddie Hearn’s late December return to Saudi Arabia versus former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titlist Anthony Joshua are on the table, Ngannou wasted no time shutting the option down for two reasons: the timetable and his determination to rematch Fury.
“First of all, it’s too soon. Secondly, my focus, as boxing is concerned is a rematch with Tyson. Everything else in boxing comes after,” Ngannou said.
Of course, Fury is expected to face Oleksandr Usyk next. Still, Francis Ngannou does not mind holding off on a return to the sweet science in the meantime, even with the reported delay in making the bout a reality.
“I would be willing to wait. I know they are going to fight sometime in February instead of December 23,” Ngannou said before taking credit for the postponement which Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, says is about protecting the Englishman “from himself.”
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Francis Ngannou’s MMA Future
Even with his unlikely success in boxing, Ngannou still has a career in mixed martial arts waiting to be resumed as well. Several days after Ngannou made his professional boxing debut, the Cameroon native discussed ongoing negotiations to welcome former WBC champion Deontay Wilder into MMA. PFL founder Donn Davis, who was instrumental in signing him as a fighter and head of the promotion’s African sub-division, confirmed those claims.
Peter Murray, PFL’s CEO, also threw his support behind a mixed-rules contest with Wilder to TMZ. Murray also told the outlet that Ngannou’s efforts in boxing will run parallel to his MMA career but his first appearance in the PFL SmartCage was set for 2024 and is being put “together as we speak.”
Prior to the “Battle of the Baddest” on Oct. 28, Ngannou last competed at UFC 270 in January of 2022 where he successfully defended the UFC heavyweight title against interim champion and former training partner Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision.
