Introduction
Even though he lost to Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou’s performance in their high-profile boxing bout still shocked the world. The Cameroonian mixed martial artist displayed incredible skill and resilience, leaving many wondering what his next move will be. Ngannou has several options, including a rematch with Fury, a showdown with Deontay Wilder, a potential fight against Anthony Joshua, or a return to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or MMA.
A Rematch with Fury
One of the most obvious paths for Ngannou is a rematch with Tyson Fury. Despite the split decision loss, Ngannou proved that he can go toe-to-toe with the WBC heavyweight champion. In their first bout, Ngannou matched Fury’s pace and even dropped him with a fiery check hook in the third round. Many fans and pundits believe that Ngannou deserves another shot at Fury, and a rematch could be a highly anticipated event.
Taking on Wilder
If a rematch with Fury doesn’t materialize, Ngannou could turn his attention to Deontay Wilder. The hard-hitting Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, has expressed interest in fighting Ngannou. While Wilder’s first choice is still a bout with Anthony Joshua, a matchup against Ngannou could be equally enticing. Both fighters possess immense punching power, making it a contest that could attract a lot of attention.
Joshua: A Potential Opponent
Although unlikely, Anthony Joshua could also be an option for Ngannou. The former two-time unified world heavyweight champion is looking to work his way back into the title picture after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. Ngannou’s impressive showing against Fury could make him a more legitimate opponent for Joshua. While it remains to be seen if this matchup will come to fruition, it’s a possibility that cannot be entirely ruled out.
PFL Heavyweight Championship Belt
Ngannou has expressed his desire to return to mixed martial arts, and if he does, he might set his sights on the PFL heavyweight championship title. Currently, Renan Ferreira and Denis Goltsov are scheduled to fight for the belt on November 24. If Ngannou decides to pursue this path, he could potentially challenge the winner for the championship. Given Ngannou’s popularity and the substantial payday he offers his opponents, there would be few in MMA who would turn down such an opportunity.
Other Potential Opponents
Apart from the aforementioned options, there are several other high-level fighters who would be eager to face Ngannou in the boxing ring. Martin Bakole, who looked impressive in his victory over Carlos Takam on the Fury-Ngannou undercard, could offer Ngannou an enticing showdown. With a high world ranking, Bakole has expressed confidence in not only beating Ngannou but also ending the fight early. Zhilei Zhang, who holds the WBO ‘Interim’ title, also has his eyes on a fight against Ngannou. British fighters Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce have been mentioned as potential opponents, along with Ryan Bader and Linton Vassell from Bellator. The possibilities for Ngannou’s next opponent are vast and exciting.
Ngannou’s Post-Fight Comments
After the fight, Ngannou took to his Instagram account to express his belief that he was robbed by the judges and that he won the fight. He expressed his desire for a rematch against Tyson Fury, emphasizing his composed and aware approach to the fight. Ngannou also highlighted his ability to match Fury’s speed and his observations about the inefficiency of Fury’s jab from the southpaw position. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Ngannou’s post-fight comments reflected his determination and eagerness to continue his boxing journey.
Ngannou’s Performance and Future Potential
Ngannou’s performance against Fury showcased his ability to compete at the highest level of boxing. He proved that he can go the distance and hold his own against a formidable opponent. The experience gained from this fight will undoubtedly benefit Ngannou in future bouts. His footwork, punching power, and adaptability make him a dangerous contender in the heavyweight division. With his confidence and determination, Ngannou has the potential to become a dominant force in the boxing world.
