Francis Ngannou has provided an early update on his future boxing plans following his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua, last Friday.
The former UFC heavyweight champion made his transition to boxing late last year when he fought Tyson Fury, following his signing with the Professional Fighters League.
After putting on a terrific performance against ‘The Gypsy King’, Ngannou decided to stick to boxing, and it was later announced he would take on Anthony Joshua at ‘Knockout Chaos’ in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately ‘The Predator’s’ second boxing outing didn’t go as well as his first, and he was brutally knocked out in round two.
Prior to his fight with Joshua, the PFL announced that when the 37-year-old does return to MMA, his first fight inside the PFL SmartCage will be against 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament winner, Renan Ferreira.
The 6ft 8″ Brazilian recently fought on the PFL vs Bellator, champion vs champion event, knocking out Bellator heavyweight champion, Ryan Bader, in just 21 seconds.
Initially, the interest in Ngannou vs Ferreira wasn’t very high, but following Ferreira’s knockout win and Ngannou’s knockout loss, there is more anticipation for that matchup now.
Francis Ngannou claims boxing career ‘isn’t over’
Speaking online this Wednesday, following the devastating loss last Friday, Francis Ngannou spoke to his fans on an Instagram Live video, giving his reaction to the fight.
“I remember being in the locker room trying to warm up but I was feeling asleep, I was sweating but I was feeling asleep. No blame to anybody all the blame here is just about me it’s the game, walking into that (fight) we all knew it could happen, I wasn’t seeing it happen like that but I always knew it could happen.” Ngannou admitted.
Despite the loss, the 37-year-old told his fans that his boxing career ‘isn’t over’, the only thing that will be taken away from him is ‘time’.
- TAUNTING: ‘You were scared’… Colby Covington taunts Ian Garry and finally responds to fight challenge
“I just want to let you guys know that it’s not over yet, not at all, we’re just getting started. The only thing that we will miss here is time and I think we have a good amount of time ahead of us.
“As for right now, I’m going to take some time for myself spend some time with my family and friends, and then come back really and get ready for another challenge and adventure.”
When Ngannou made his transition over to boxing, fans called for a fight between him and Deontay Wilder. With the Alabaman also suffering a loss recently, that is a fight that may be revisited somewhere down the line.
- UPDATE: Tai Tuivasa provides injury update as he prepares for UFC Vegas 88 showdown with Marcin Tybura