After a riveting boxing match against the undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, where many believed Francis Ngannou showcased impressive skills, the sentiment within the boxing community echoed the competitiveness and potential favoring of Ngannou. With his existing contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) allowing for potential MMA fights, fans are eagerly awaiting Ngannou’s next moves in the world of combat sports.
As the highly anticipated bout between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua is now booked, the question arises: Will Ngannou continue to pursue a boxing career, and is there a possibility of him stepping into the PFL cage? The excitement among supporters is palpable, anticipating the unfolding chapters in Ngannou’s journey within the diverse realms of combat sports.
Francis Booked to Box Anthony Joshua
In the previous year, Francis Ngannou, the ex-UFC heavyweight champion, astonished the entire boxing community with a remarkable feat—delivering a powerful left hook that sent the previously undefeated Tyson Fury to the canvas.
Initially organizers were keen on organizing Joshua and Deontay Wilder on March 9th. However, Wilder’s loss to Parker in December changed those plans. Joshua won against Otto Wallin on the same card, and organizers were determined to schedule another bout for him on the same weekend as the canceled Wilder showdown.
Now, Anthony Joshua is set to face Ngannou in a highly anticipated match. To avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on Saturday, March 9th, the fight has been scheduled for a Friday March 8, 2024. Fans are eagerly awaiting this exciting clash between two heavyweight titans in the boxing ring.
Will Francis Ever Fight in PFL
With the WBC acknowledging Francis Ngannou’s talent and ranking him 10th in the heavyweight division, he’s gearing up for a showdown against Anthony Joshua. If he clinches victory, talks about a potential match against the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk could be in the cards. Even if Francis puts up a strong fight against Joshua, he might have the chance to challenge other heavyweights.
However, because Ngannou’s status in boxing is on the rise, the possibility of him entering the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for a mixed martial arts (MMA) fight could be uncertain. The stakes are high, and while a future in PFL is intriguing, it might be in jeopardy given the momentum he’s building in the boxing world.
PFL’S take on Ngannou Boxing
PFL has always backed Francis Ngannou in his boxing journey. In a recent interview on the MMA hour, Donn Davis, the co-founder and chairman of PFL, expressed his full support for Ngannou. When Ariel asked if there’s any concern about Ngannou leaving PFL for boxing, Donn said, “I’m not worried about my partner being too successful.” He also mentioned that while it might be challenging to find equally strong opponents for Ngannou if he becomes too successful, it would only make the events even more significant.
What’s Next For Francis Ngannou
Looking ahead for Francis Ngannou and his collaboration with PFL, the organization has been exceptionally supportive of his boxing aspirations. The likelihood of Ngannou stepping into the PFL cage in 2024 seems slim, given the ongoing focus on his boxing journey.
However, the surge in Francis Ngannou’s popularity in the world of boxing could potentially shine a spotlight on PFL. The flexibility and evident concern for their athletes’ ambitions might become a noteworthy aspect of PFL’s reputation. As Ngannou continues to make waves, both in boxing and potentially in the MMA arena, the attention on PFL’s approach to supporting their fighters could become increasingly prominent.
All in All its a win win situation for both Francis and PFL.
