Francis Ngannou’s manager has revealed his ideal two-fight plan for heavyweight boxing’s newest star.
Ngannou’s profile has gone through the roof following his hugely impressive boxing debut against Tyson Fury. The former UFC titlist was given next to no chance against unbeaten, lineal and WBC champion Fury out in Riyadh in a ten-round fight.
What transpired was quite different. Ngannou boxed ably and patiently, and didn’t react to the feints of Fury or get drawn in unnecessarily, instead picking his shots and even scoring a knockdown in the third round.
Fury rallied and saw out a close split decision points win, but Ngannou came out with unending praise and admiration with many now ranking him amongst the top 10 heavyweights in the world.
His manager Marquel Martin is now looking to capitalise on that. Speaking on the MMA Hour, Martin was asked what Ngannou will do next.
“It’s up to him. He’s in a position now that can do what he wants, when he wants, however he wants to do it.”
He was then asked what his plan would be should the decision fall to him.
“Francis and I go back and forth all the time. But me, knowing that Tyson is there, I would love to see Deontay Wilder come into MMA, mixed rules, and that would set up the narrative so the world can see the difference between the two [sports]. MMA fighters don’t get enough credit for what they do.”
Against all odds, Deontay Wilder’s team are apparently open to the idea of a fight in MMA. Martin then claimed that after that, he’d like the rematch with Fury.
“Knowing Tyson has his fight with Usyk, afterward there is the chance for the rematch, so that would be my take on it. I have too much respect for Tyson as a fighter to think he wouldn’t want that rematch.”
Failing that, the likes of Anthony Joshua and Martin Bakole have also been mooted as possible future opponents for Ngannou – one of the most in-demand combat sports athletes on the planet.