This is one of those situations when a setback becomes beneficial. Most fans and pundits alike were seemingly unwilling to give even a puncher’s chance to Francis Ngannou as he went against the Heavyweight boxing champion of the world. In any case, it was the latter’s very own backyard. But on Saturday night, the former UFC Heavyweight champion sent shock waves across the combat sports world with his performance.
Not only did he manage to send Tyson Fury down, touching the canvas in the 3rd round, but he took arguably the best Heavyweight boxer of the era the whole distance. Undoubtedly, he had put in a show worthy of all praise and admiration. Hence, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the governing bodies take due notice of the budding talent. He can pull in crowds like he used to while fighting in the octagon.
Deafying defeat, Francis Ngannou to join Heavyweight family
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Dewey Cooper, the former kickboxing champion, is Francis Ngannou’s long-time trainer. So reportedly, while speaking to MMA Junkie, he said, “Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of [the] WBC, said he is going to rank him in the top ten because he is better than most of the heavyweights in the top ten. He said that in the ring….” The fight with Fury was a non-title bout. However, the WBC had made it clear that it would be entering the records of the two fighters.
Francis Ngannou's trainer Dewey Cooper has said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told him in the ring after the Tyson Fury fight that the WBC will now rank Ngannou in their top ten, meaning the WBC heavyweight world title could be on the line in a potential rematch. [@MikeBohn]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 29, 2023
Per the latest update, it means that ‘The Predator’ would join the ranks of Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz Jr., Anthony Joshua, and Dillian Whyte. Thus, the Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist could fight the current A-listers in the Heavyweight division. But it also offers a high possibility of a rematch with Tyson Fury. Incidentally, while speaking to a reporter in Cancun, Mexico, Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn even hinted at an Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou match-up!
Fury and Usyk undisputed clash in limbo
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As far as ‘The Gypsy King’ is concerned, soon after the Cadmean victory, he turned back to face Oleksandr Usyk. The former and the unified Heavyweight champion have agreed to a tentative clash. It could occur by the end of December, hopefully. The outcome will finally put a long-standing conundrum to rest. It has plagued the Heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis was crowned the undisputed champion.
However, the cuts and bruises he suffered above his left eye and forehead during the Ngannou fight raise doubts over the fight’s postponement. On the other hand, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Usyk also cited nursing injuries and reportedly sought nearly 14 weeks for his training camps to prepare him for the big match. Time alone will tell whether both champions finally agree upon a date—not too far.
Read More: How Much Money Did Francis Ngannou Possibly Make Against Tyson Fury?
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Do you think Tyson Fury would agree to a rematch with Francis Ngannou? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Eddie Hearn Names the fighter who can defeat Francis Ngannou within one round