Francis Ngannou is a man in high demand following his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury.
Not only did the Cameroon-born fighter shock fans with his impressive skillset and composed approach, many observers actually gave him the nod in a close fight.
The judges didn’t, and Fury kept his undefeated record with just a dent to his pride from the third round knockdown he suffered.
Ngannou has now been mentioned with both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder for his next fight, but before facing Fury he signed a deal with MMA organisation, Professional Fighters League, that is due to be christened next year.
Whilst he’s more likely to end up in the ‘smart cage’ next, there is one man he would step through the ropes for.
“Our perfect date would still be February or March. If Tyson is about to come do the rematch in March, we would push everything away and do the Tyson one first.”
Ngannou feels he won the fight, and has a bitter taste from boxing officials from his very first bout. But despite a rematch perhaps being fair – as well as certainly entertaining – Fury has signed a contract to get back to his duties as champion.
“Not right now. I think the Usyk fight is on the table. He has something on his plate right now.”
Fury and Usyk were pencilled in to fight on December 23, a date the Ukrainian is still demanding but Fury’s side are now being much-less brash about.
Even with a delay, the contract remains binding, and fans will likely see one of the two men crowned undisputed heavyweight champion in early 2024.