Francis Ngannou has confirmed that talks with Deontay Wilder have begun for a two-fight deal.
The former UFC Heavyweight Champion recently decided to turn down an offer on the table and walk away from the MMA organisation to pursue some big money fights in pro boxing.
Given his star power – mainly due to his punching power – Ngannou has entered the conversation at the very top of the divison.
Speaking to Helen Yee, he provided an update on what was on the table for his debut in the sport, with a clear front runner for an opponent.
“Yes, Tyson Fury, but mostly about Deontay Wilder … I’m really like okay I want this fight. I want to do this one boxing, one MMA – even though I’m not sure about the MMA part, I’m like okay let’s put that in question marks to be determined.
It’s definitely something – I’m going to be fighting boxing at some point this year. Anthony Joshua – I don’t know exactly what’s going on with him, so what’s available, I focus on that.”
Wilder recently confirmed to media in Saudi Arabia that his team had kicked off talks with Ngannou for two fights this year – one there in the Middle East and one in Africa.
On those comments, the former UFC champ was positive, and said that he would take both fights in Wilder’s sport.
“Yes. We really want to do that fight in Africa. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind and I’d even suggest to do the first on in Africa. Something more cultural. Black excellency. Be proud of where we come from, give a big fight for our people.
That’s the option. There is nothing that has been said or done yet, but it is a possibility. It’s a desire I have … I know the first one would be boxing. I know he wanted to be fair and say we’re fighting one at his house [boxing] and fighting in my house [MMA], but I think I can take both at his house.”
The fight between the two proud former champions would be easy to sell – the hardest hitters in each of their respective sports coming together for an explosive, and presumably short, fight.
Wilder appears to be keeping his options open for now, and with his team claiming that they want ‘big fights’ over anything else, it may not be a surprise to see this one next.