Topics: Francis Ngannou, Deontay Wilder, Boxing
Francis Ngannou could fight heavyweight star Deontay Wilder in a blockbuster 'mixed rules' fight next year.
Ngannou stunned the boxing world as he took Tyson Fury the distance in their special event in Saudi Arabia last weekend.
The former UFC heavyweight champion dropped Fury in round three before losing a split decision, with the official punch stats making for interesting reading.
Despite the defeat, 'The Predator' enhanced his reputation and is set to be involved in another monstrous bout in 2024.
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He could face off against 'The Bronze Bomber', with Professional Fighters League (PFL) founder Donn Davis talking up a 'mixed rules' clash.
Davis suggested a kick-boxing style match-up, where takedowns would be prohibited. Though the bout would take place in a cage and the fighters would wear MMA gloves.
The PFL chief revealed the French-Cameroonian will be making a decision on his next assignment in the 'next two weeks' before hyping up a potential 'mixed rules' contest.
"Francis is making plans," he said on The MMA Hour. "I heard him on your show saying he was going to make decisions in the next two weeks.
"We know what he’s working on. I think there is a path that could go one of two ways. I think there’s a boxing path for him next, and I think there’s a mixed fight for him next, that will look a little different. It will go against somebody, it might be under mixed rules."
On Ngannou fighting Wilder, Davis added: "I think it would be fantastic, because I think he already proved against Tyson Fury what he has to prove for now.
"I think he’ll get back to that... But what would I think would be fascinating? Deontay Wilder in a mixed rules fight. I always say, what do I want to see? I know a lot about boxing and a lot about MMA, but I’m not a savant. I’m not a deep, deep, deep insider. So I like to test, what do I think millions of people would love to see? I think that’s the most interesting thing we could all see."
Pressed on who he thinks Ngannou will return to action against, Davis replied: "I think Francis does Deontay Wilder, and I think it is a wild fight. Because what you know and what I know, is who Francis is. But now the rest of the world knows what he is, and he is a global superstar. And everyone is going to see that and not miss it. No one is going to sleep on him this time."
Will Ngannou vs Wilder happen next year? Watch this space.
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