“If He Gets Knocked Out” – Francis Ngannou Gets a Bitter Reminder on Eyeing Deontay Wilder Boxing Fight
Francis Ngannou with Renan Ferreira’s consciousness still clinging to his knuckles, is already hunting new prey. The PFL Super Fight heavyweight champion has locked his predatory gaze on boxing’s knockout artist, Deontay Wilder. “I will do boxing next,” Ngannou whispered to Sportsbook Review with the casual menace of a man who traffics in unconsciousness. “[I’m passionate about fighting Deontay Wilder] because there’s an 80 percent chance that somebody will go to sleep.”
This isn’t just another fight—it’s a collision of nuclear arsenals. Two men whose right hands should require permits from the Department of Energy, both seeking to erase recent setbacks from combat sports’ collective memory. The Cameroonian’s boxing expedition—born from the still-smoldering ashes of his UFC exodus—has yielded a highlight reel as volatile as his fists. Fans will remember the night when the former UFC heavyweight king registered his name in boxing’s aristocracy list by sending Tyson Fury to the canvas. However, the Anthony Joshua fight ended was his own violent introduction to the canvas. So, what are Ngannou’s chances against a concussive juggernaut like Wilder? UFC veteran Brendan Schaub believes Ngannou “has a better opportunity to win.”
However, Schaub still considers Ngannou the underdog. “Deontay’s been in there, he’s just a pure boxer. His heavyweight run, which is over, but his heavyweight run is one of the greatest of all time. One of my favorite fighters of all time. Absolutely adore Deontay Wilder, worked with him many times, love the dude. Francis would still be an underdog in that fight, not as much as with Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, but he has a way better shot of winning this fight than Tyson or Anthony Joshua.”
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Schaub’s take holds merit. Since turning pro in 2008, the Alabama native has established himself as one of boxing’s most dangerous heavyweights. From 2015 to 2020, he reigned as the WBC heavyweight champion, becoming the first American to claim the title since 2007. Over 48 career bouts, he has secured 43 victories—42 by knockout—earning him the chilling nickname “Dr. Sleep.” His raw power is undeniable, with 20 of those knockouts coming in the very first round. With a staggering 97.67% knockout rate, the highest in heavyweight history, Deontay Wilder poses a serious threat to the Cameroonian.
But behind these moments lies the tale of a man who dared challenge Rome itself. When Dana White presented golden handcuffs disguised as a UFC contract, Ngannou did the unthinkable—he walked away from the heavyweight throne, demanding revolutionary concessions: fair pay, healthcare, and the freedom to box. The emperor refused. The champion left. Now, as Ngannou stalks the ‘Bronze Bomber’ from across combat sports’ divided kingdom, one truth becomes clear: some predators refuse to be caged, even in an Octagon. However, a UFC veteran recently voiced concerns about Francis Ngannou’s chances.
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Daniel Cormier voices his concerns about the “lost” Francis Ngannou
“I get to have a good four-fight plan in boxing,” Francis Ngannou stated during his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience last year. “I think that could be good. You know, you get like a good four fights, and then you build, like, know who and who should be next. That could be my potential retirement plan.”
For MMA fighters, transitioning to boxing has proven to be a financial jackpot, offering significantly larger paydays than mixed martial arts. This shift gained traction in 2017 when Conor McGregor stepped into the ring against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what became the most lucrative crossover fight in combat sports history—a “red pa–y night” every fighter dreams of. Now 38, Ngannou understands the financial potential boxing presents. With only a few years left before retirement, he focuses on capitalizing on every opportunity. His return to the boxing ring aligns with that goal, as he now prepares to face Deontay Wilder, famously known as “Dr. Sleep.”
However, former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has raised concerns over ‘The Predator’s decision to return to boxing against Deontay Wilder, pointing to his previous performances against Fury and Anthony Joshua. “Sure, he’s going to make a boatload of money—he always does—but at what point do you stop and say, ‘I don’t know?’ Because to me, it seems like he’s up against it again. Maybe he truly is the biggest, baddest man on the planet, and he doesn’t care about the odds. Maybe he just wants to prove everyone wrong, like he did the first time when he fought Tyson Fury and took him to a very close fight,” Cormier remarked.
What do you think of Brendan Schaub’s comments? Do you believe Deontay Wilder might present a smaller challenge to Francis Ngannou compared to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua? Share your thoughts below.
