Francis Ngannou’s return to action may be on the rocks after Deontay Wilder seemed to set up another big fight last night.
The former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL star is eyeing a boxing comeback for the end of the year. Wilder has seemed to be the opponent of choice, as he implores his MMA bosses to find an appropriate cage opponent for his next bout under their banner.
However, during yesterday’s Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford event Wilder was spotted facing off with a different heavyweight star, who could prove to be a better match-up.
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Francis Ngannou in trouble as Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr face off
A big problem that has emerged for Francis Ngannou in the last year is a lack of suitable matchups. It seems that there are no reasonable fights under the PFL banner after he brutalized Renan Ferreira last year, and he is now looking back at the boxing ring.
He has twice previously stepped into the ring, most famously taking then-world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to a split decision in a stunning 2023 display. He even dropped the Brit on that night, although his second effort against Anthony Joshua ended in a vicious KO.
And he appears to be eyeing up another former champion in Deontay Wilder. However, the American was spotted last night staring down Andy Ruiz Jr in what could set up a fight that fans have been angling for since they held all the belts briefly back in 2019.
Deontay Wilder is keen on Francis Ngannou showdown
Both Ngannou and Wilder have made their interest in a crossover fight very clear for years. The boxer has even offered to get into the cage for some sort of a hybrid bout in small MMA gloves, although no deal has ever emerged.
“My interest is high,” Wilder told the Ariel Helwani Show last month. “I’m ready to go with anyone so if Francis is next then let it be, I’m looking forward to a great fight with anyone that’s gonna get me back to where I need to go.
“This one I think it’d be more entertainment for fans in general, but every fight counts, it gets you closer and closer to the goal you’re looking for and Francis has got the heart, he’s an MMA champion so that brings a lot of weight to it.
“We’re two strong guys and we want to test our power against each other’s faces, so let the games begin, I’m all in. It’s been talks previously but right now I’d say it’s warming up.”