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Former Heavyweight Champion Considers MMA After Failed Anthony Joshua Fight
Deontay Wilder's highly anticipated £100 million fight against Anthony Joshua has been canceled, leaving the door open for a surprising move to mixed martial arts (MMA). The fight, scheduled for March 9 in Saudi Arabia, was scrapped after Wilder suffered a loss to Joseph Parker just moments before Joshua's victory over Otto Wallin. While Joshua was not the only super-fight on the table, discussions between Wilder and MMA promotion The Professional Fighters League have opened up the possibility of a never-before-seen hybrid fight with Francis Ngannou in an MMA cage.
Loss to Parker Presents New Opportunity for Wilder
Despite his recent defeat, PFL CEO Peter Murray believes that Wilder's loss to Parker actually enhances the potential for a cross-over to MMA. Murray stated that discussions with Wilder are ongoing and that a fight between the two hardest-hitting fighters in a cage under modified rules would be a highly anticipated event for fans. This new challenge in MMA could provide Wilder with a fresh start and added flexibility in his career.
Ngannou to Fight Both in the Ring and the Cage
Ngannou, who previously left the UFC to join the PFL, has yet to make his debut with the promotion. However, he did cross over to boxing in October to face current WBC champion Tyson Fury. Despite losing a controversial decision, Ngannou proved his ability by knocking down Fury during the fight. With Joshua also seeking new opponents after the cancellation of his fight with Wilder, Ngannou has been suggested as a potential opponent for the March 9 date. Murray confirmed that Ngannou will compete in both boxing and MMA this year, with more announcements to come.
It seems that Wilder's loss to Parker has opened up unexpected opportunities for both fighters to explore new challenges in their careers. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on the potential MMA switch and upcoming fights involving these heavyweight contenders.
