Francis Ngannou has consistently demonstrated his keen interest in boxing, even during a challenging phase with his UFC contract. Even after securing a multi-million dollar deal with the Professional Fighters League [PFL], ‘The Predator’ has kept the boxing option within his sights. In fact, at one point, there was significant buzz surrounding a potential boxing match between the Cameroonian fighter and Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, who expressed great enthusiasm for the showdown.
Both fighters expressed their enthusiasm for the pursuit, but unfortunately, circumstances prevented the bout from materializing. In a recent development, promoter Eddie Hearn has spoken about the former UFC heavyweight champion’s potential in the sweet science, asserting that he sees Ngannou prevailing against some of the best heavyweight boxers.
Eddie Hearn sees Francis Ngannou landing a big win against heavyweight boxers
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Eddie Hearn, the renowned boxing promoter, recently made an appearance on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. During their conversation, the topic naturally gravitated toward the remarkable Francis Ngannou. Hearn wasted no time in expressing his thoughts on Ngannou’s potential in the boxing world.
Hearn expressed his thoughts on Ngannou’s aspirations, stating, “What Francis wants to do is land a massive payday.”
In a bold and captivating take, Hearn continued, “The only difference in the heavyweight world is, Francis can really punch. Now listen, if he lands one on [Tyson]Fury, lands one on AJ, or he lands one on [Derek]Chisora, he can win the fight.”
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While Hearn presented a bold claim, he acknowledged that one significant hurdle could stand in the way.
The primary obstacle to Ngannou’s big boxing match
Addressing the intriguing prospect of a crossover, he highlighted the remuneration element as a potential obstacle. Hearn, a seasoned observer of the business side of boxing, remarked, “You need a site fee for a fight like that. I mean, I don’t know what Francis wants. Because you’re talking about tens and tens of millions of dollars for those fights. And it might just not be there.”
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Despite the challenges associated with the crossover, Ngannou remains resolute in his desire to box someday. Now, coupled with Hearn’s vote of confidence, it becomes even more intriguing to envision the Cameroonian fighter donning the boxing gloves and stepping into the squared circle.
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