After loses in last five fighys, Deontay Wilder’s trainer reveals true thoughts on fighting in Africa on boxing return
Deontay Wilder could be willing to fight Francis Ngannou in Africa if the conditions are right, according to his trainer Malik Scott. The 39-year-old is targeting a return to the ring after a nine-month absence and rumours of a fight against ex-UFC star Ngannou continue to swirl. Talks have taken place over the past months to discuss a potential mixed-rules fight involving boxing and MMA techniques, with both fighters known to pack a powerful punch. It would prove to be a hugely popular encounter amongst fans and therefore appealing to those with a commercial interest. When asked about his interest in fighting to Africa, Scott revealed that Wilder has always held a desire to fight there – suggesting the bout has a realistic chance of materialising
“Deontay always wanted to fight in Africa anyway. So I’m sure he’s very excited about it. If there’s something that he’s going to entertain, this is something he’s always wanted to do anyway,” Scott told SpaceportSweden.com. “There’s so many times he was supposed to go over there just to visit and do a couple events for people that wanted him to come over. So I’m sure if everything is right he definitely wouldn’t mind going over there.”
The American has lost four of his last five fights, including his initial WBA heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury and the subsquent rematch. He was also beaten on his last appearance in the ring, which came against Zhilei Zhang back in June 2024.
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Ngannou, meanwhile, learned a harsh lesson in his two fights against Fury and Anthony Joshua after being knocked down early on before conceding defeat – leaving him with a 0-2 record. But the Cameroonian, fighting on his native turf in Africa, would have another motivating to climb back into the ring – especially if MMA rules are allowed.
“We know Ngannou wants to do it. [Saudi adviser] Turki [Al-Sheikh] is saying this thing can happen. Deontay is going to fight again, so it’s all just a win,” he added.
“Boxing fans can be very fickle sometimes. And not just the fans, just the way things go. I don’t know when the last time Francis was in the ring. So there’s just no telling.
“I know he wants the Wilder fight, he always speaks about it. But we just have to see. Him and Deontay will do big numbers, especially in Africa.”
