The UFC’s heavyweight champion wants the chance to prove himself outside the Octagon. Francis Ngannou, the world’s hardest puncher, told TMZ that he doesn’t see himself retiring without boxing at the highest possible level, and is demanding that his new UFC contract offers him this opportunity.
“It’s always been down the line. This is something that, I’m not taking my eyes off it. This is going to happen either way, and even if I stay — even if or when the UFC and I, we finally, we finalize a [new] deal, the boxing part has to be into it, because I can’t see myself to retire without boxing.”
Francis Ngannou Calls Out Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury
First, Francis Ngannou will defend his title in a unification bout against his former teammate, interim champ Ciryl Gane. Gane’s highly technical, mobile stand-up game is unusual for the heavyweight division, where big knockouts and plodding strikers have long been the norm. After that fight, however, his contract with the UFC may well expire, and he’ll be making boxing a priority.
Who does Francis Ngannou want to fight if he gets the chance? “All of them. Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder — I would like to test myself to their level.
It’s not the same sport, but although I’m the champion, so I’m in the top in this division, and at the end of the day, it’s just about throwing hands, throwing punches, having a good delivery system to throw those bombs. And I’m sure that if I deliver my own punches pretty good, I can make damage.”
Ngannou’s contract dispute has been an ongoing issue with the UFC, with his management claiming that the organization is freezing them out. Supposedly, Ngannou’s team have not heard from the UFC in months, although Dana White recently claimed he spoke to the heavyweight champ face-to-face and clarified some of the problems.
Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, claimed: “We’re open to get a deal done. But they also know my phone number. They know how to get ah old of me.
If they had an offer that made sense for them and for Francis, we’re open to entertain it. But it’s a point for me to proactively say, ‘Hey, let’s get a deal done. Let’s get a deal done.’
Because at the end of the day, they know where we’re at. They’ve made it pretty clear where they’re at, so it’s an unfortunate — and I hate to say this — but it feels like a standoff.” Do you want to see Ngannou enter the boxing ring? Let us know in the comments.
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit ScreenJuicer for great videos, news, and gameplay!
