Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to face Anthony Joshua in his second professional boxing match, after nearly defeating Tyson Fury in his debut, and has stated that he will continue to participate in both MMA and boxing.
Francis Ngannou’s boxing journey may have begun as a side gig. But now, as he prepares to face Anthony Joshua this Friday, it’s become something more.
“I’m not leaving boxing,” Ngannou declared on Monday. This was during the event’s grand arrivals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He reminisced, “Remember, it all started with boxing. I didn’t even know about MMA.” For over a decade, boxing was his dream. Even when MMA opportunities came knocking, it was a chance to shine. To be a world champ.
And then? The possibility of a crossover. A return to boxing. “I needed to box to retire peacefully,” Ngannou confessed. “I love it. Can’t explain why, but I do.”
At 37, Ngannou is set to face Joshua, a two-time former heavyweight champ, in a 10-round bout. This fight marks the second in Ngannou’s budding pro boxing career. His debut? A shocker. He knocked down Tyson Fury and nearly pulled off a massive upset.
Although he lost a split decision, his performance exceeded many expectations. Boxing veterans like Eddie Hearn and Carl Frampton couldn’t help but sing his praises.
Ngannou is also signed with PFL. He’s promised to compete for the MMA organization before hanging up his gloves. Renan Ferreira, the 2023 PFL season heavyweight champ, is waiting for him. Ferreira recently demolished Ryan Bader, the Bellator champ, in a 21-second knockout.
But when will Ngannou make his PFL debut? That’s still up in the air. Especially if he shocks the world again by defeating Joshua.
Ngannou trained with boxing legend Mike Tyson for his Fury camp. But not this time. Yet, Tyson’s teachings remain fresh in his mind.
“I’m still working on the basics,” Ngannou said. He believes forgetting the basics is a mistake. He admired Tyson’s style because it was all about the fundamentals.
“I’m not a fool,” Ngannou added. He knows he’s not at the same technical level as the veterans. They’ve been in the sport for over 20 years. He’s just getting started. But he’s passionate. And he’s sticking to the fundamentals.