[autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] is serious about pursuing boxing.
The UFC heavyweight contender called out boxing champion Tyson Fury immediately after his big win over Deontay Wilder this past Saturday.
While many may roll their eyes at another MMA fighter calling out a boxer, Ngannou, who initially wanted to pursue a career in boxing, wants to remind everyone that it was, in fact Fury, who called him out first when expressing interest in transitioning to MMA.
“(I’m interested in) competing in the boxing match in general, but Fury and I have some little story together because he was first calling me out in MMA and everything,” Ngannou told MMA Junkie. “Basically, the man stands, after his fight yesterday as the best heavyweight. No argument about that – he stands as the best heavyweight. For someone looking to box, you definitely have to go through him to prove that you’re the best.”
But the callout of Fury is not a one and done for Ngannou, who has intentions of competing numerous times in a boxing ring.
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“I know for a fact that I’m going to do a few boxing matches,” Ngannou said. “I’m not just about one shot. I’m not just like, one big fight. I want to make my own little statement in a boxing career.
“I’m thinking about multiple boxing matches – like straight boxing matches. Let’s see how it plays out. Let’s see what’s on the table, what would be more attractive.”
Fury already got a taste of the MMA world when he took a trip to Liverpool to train with Darren Till at Team Kaobon. He was seen throwing knees, sprawling and hitting pads, hinting at the possibility of a future MMA fight.
Unsure if Fury was actually serious, Ngannou is just doing his part by showing that he is game and willing to compete against Fury whether in a boxing or MMA fight.
“I don’t know if he was (putting on a) show, as he is a showman, or if he really meant it, but let’s see what happens,” Ngannou said. “I’m here – that’s the point. I’m not going anywhere. So if it’s about to happen, it’ll happen”
However, Ngannou has business to attend to first. He headlines UFC on ESPN 8 on March 28 in Columbus, Ohio, against undefeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and hopes to earn another shot at the UFC heavyweight title.
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