Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder recently turned heads backstage at PFL 4. Wilder appeared in the wake of rumors surrounding fresh PFL signing, former UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou. Ngannou wants to box, and Wilder might well be the man to face him.
Wilder is currently looking at a bout with Anthony Joshua, a fellow ex-champion, but is very interested in facing “The Predator.” “At that specific date [in December], I’m not sure, but all things and anything are possible.
Deontay Wilder “In Discussion” For Francis Ngannou Fight
Me and Francis have had discussions, we had meetings with both parties, as far as the team is concerned. So this is a real conversation that has been taking place, not only just amongst the combat family, but amongst the teams as well, getting on the phone, everybody talking.
So this is something that can truly happen to him. So the best is yet to come overall. There’s so many things that I could say, so many things that I can try to put in words to say, but at the end of the day, we’ll see what happens when it happens.
That’s the best way I can [say it] to give people a peace of mind. These things are in discussion, but we’ll see what happens and when it happens, it’s gonna be amazing.”
Ngannou’s long-stated dream of competing as a boxer was one of the main reasons given for his UFC departure. With a far more flexible and lucrative PFL contract in place, the former heavyweight champ is looking to take on a serious challenge. One opening for Ngannou is Wilder – interviewed wearing PFL MMA gloves – with a stated aim to “cross over.”
“Hey Francis, you listening? We discussed this before, and we’ve got many space and opportunity to discuss once more. I’m looking for a two-fight [deal] crossing over.”
Is there a possibility that Ngannou and Wilder compete across two sports under the PFL banner? Unlike previous MMA vs boxing events, which have mostly featured mixed martial artists competing against boxers in novelty bouts, fans might see Wilder vs Ngannou in both sports.
Ngannou’s greatest weapon as a fighter, historically, has been his record-breaking punching power. Deontay Wilder, too, rose through the rankings of the world’s elite heavyweights with a cannon of a right hand. Wilder even knocked down one of history’s greatest heavyweights, Tyson Fury.
If it comes to fruition, this clash of power punches could be one of the biggest crossover events since McGregor vs Mayweather.
