FRANCIS NGANNOU has paved the way for a move over to boxing after walking out on the UFC.
Ngannou leaves while still the UFC heavyweight champion after failing to agree a new contract extension.
Francis Ngannou has left the UFC
And the Cameroonian confirmed realising his long-standing dream of entering the boxing world is on the cards.
He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.”
So here, SunSport takes a look at five massive options awaiting Ngannou in the ring.
Tyson Fury
The obvious choice would be the No1 in the world, unbeaten WBC champ Fury, 34, who has called out Ngannou before.
They even faced off against each other in April 2022 at Wembley when the Gypsy King knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34.
Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum has given the fight the green light before, making it an easy one to make on paper.
Tyson Fury with Francis Ngannou at Wembley
Deontay Wilder
Wilder, 37, is another option Ngannou has talked up in the past and it is a guaranteed blockbuster for fans.
They are considered two of the biggest punchers in the world, making for an explosive prospect.
And Wilder even claimed Premier Boxing Champions boss Al Haymon had discussed the Ngannou fight with him behind the scenes.
Anthony Joshua
Joshua, 33, has also been named by Ngannou as a potential boxing opponent alongside Fury.
He said: “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
“Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
Anthony Joshua has been called out by Francis Ngannou
Dillian Whyte
Whyte in the summer of 2020 recorded an unaired virtual face-off interview with Ngannou and claimed to have got the better of him.
Promoter Eddie Hearn proposed a two-fight deal, with a bout in boxing and MMA, with ex-kickboxer Whyte having fought in the cage before.
The Professional Fighters League have also just launched a pay-per-view super-fight division on DAZN, the same app Hearn works with.
Dillian Whyte has exchanged words with Francis Ngannou before
Derek Chisora
Chisora, 38, has teased a move to MMA before and recently called Ngannou out.
He said: “I’m trying to fight Ngannou. I want to do it in the UFC and boxing.”
Chisora was beaten by Fury in ten rounds in December but has ruled out retirement.
Tyson Fury beat Derek Chisora in December
