30 March 2023 , 14:57
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Deontay Wilder remains in talks over a potential showdown with the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Wilder has offered a rare two-fight deal where he would first face Ngannou in the ring, before a blockbuster rematch in the octagon under full MMA rules. Generally in crossover fights, the MMA competitor will exclusively move into boxing, given the vast array of skills needed to be competitive in the cage.
However, Ngannou is keen to keep his two endeavours separate, and has reportedly told Wilder he is mainly focused on a boxing match between the duo. The former WBC heavyweight champion has lost to just one opponent in the ring; Tyson Fury, and is known as the hardest hitter of his generation.
"Ngannou don't want to do MMA," Wilder told ESNews. "I told him we can do MMA and boxing, I want to be the first to do that, but he said he's going to want to stick to boxing. And I mean, I respect that, he said he don't want to break me! I always been a 'don't judge a book by its cover' type of person, his power is real."
Wilder has previously stated that he is keen to take a fight with Ngannou to Africa given the pair's connection to the continent. Ngannou is from Cameroon, but was unable to get an event there during his time as the UFC heavyweight champion, while Wilder's family has roots in Nigeria.
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Francis Ngannou made an unprecedented move when he left his UFC contract without ever losing his heavyweight title (AFP via Getty Images)Who do you think wins between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Asked if he would like to face Ngannou now that he is a free agent during a recent appearance on Trill Boxing, Wilder responded: "Most definitely, I love Francis. When I met him at the UFC Apex in Vegas he was talking about doing it that time, I'm still interested in it and I would love to go to Africa for that fight.
“When he was with Dana [White, UFC president], me and Dana sat down and talked about it. When he brought the idea to me the whole saying was 'if it makes dollars it makes sense'. That's all they need to know. I know he's doing his own thing and I'm proud of him for following his heart, doing what he feels."
Ngannou has a series of options available for his first fight since leaving the UFC as heavyweight champion. He is keen to box at least once against a top name like Wilder, Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, and is also entertaining MMA offers from the likes of Bellator, PFL and Rizin.