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Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion of the world, has issued a challenge to UFC's heavyweight powerhouse Francis Ngannou. Wilder has proposed not one, but two separate fights - one in the boxing ring and one in the octagon. Wilder has even proposed that the historic event take place in Africa, adding to the already high stakes of the proposed fights.
Wilder, who has had a storied career in boxing, holds a record of 43 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 42 of those wins coming by way of knockout. The Alabama native is known for his devastating power and has become one of the most feared fighters in the heavyweight division. On the other hand, Ngannou has made a name for himself in the UFC with his incredible knockout power, holding a record of 17 wins and 3 losses, with 12 of those wins by KO.
In a recent interview, Wilder stated that he wants to test his skills against Ngannou in both boxing and MMA. The former heavyweight champion believes that he can bring his power and technique to both the boxing ring and the octagon and prove that he is a superior fighter. The two fighters have expressed mutual respect in the past, but the suggestion of a two-fight deal has taken their contention to a new level.
“I love Francis,” Wilder told Trill Boxing Talk. “When I met him at the [UFC] APEX in Vegas, we were talking about it during that time and I’m still interested in that fight. I would love to go to Africa for that one. I would love to do that one in Africa.
“I even thought about this idea. Let’s make it a two-fight deal. Everybody always comes to boxing. Let’s do this — you come to my s***, I come to yours. You come to my house, I come to yours. A true tea party. I love that idea. I’m a true warrior.”
Ngannou, who has expressed interest in crossing over to boxing in the past, has not yet responded to Wilder's proposal. However, the Former UFC heavyweight has stated that he is open to all challenges and is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone to prove his worth.
When discussing the possibility of fighting against Ngannou in both boxing and mixed martial arts, Wilder claimed that UFC president Dana White was also engaged in all those discussions.
“When he was with Dana [White, UFC president], me and Dana sat down and talked about it. When he brought the idea to me the whole saying was 'if it makes dollars it makes sense'. That's all they need to know. I know he's doing his own thing and I'm proud of him for following his heart, doing what he feels."
While the details of this proposed event are yet to be confirmed, one thing is for certain - a fight between Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou has the potential to be one of the biggest crossover events in combat sports history. Whether the two fighters will step into the ring and octagon remains to be seen, but the possibility has already got fans talking and eagerly anticipating what could be a historic event.