Francis Ngannou Names Wilder Fight as Priority Target

38-year-old Cameroonian former UFC champion and current Heavyweight boxer Francis Ngannou shared his thoughts on a potential fight with American Deontay Wilder.

– You mentioned a fight with Deontay Wilder, and that’s very interesting. He won in June. Is that something you’re actively pursuing right now?

– Yes, exactly.

– Have there been any talks between you and his team?

– No, we haven’t spoken personally yet, but very soon we will. We’re still ironing some things out, but I’m training and continuing to prepare.

– Would Wilder be the top choice among possible opponents in boxing?

– I think so, because the fight with Jon Jones fell through, and he can’t be my number one option anymore.

– So, among those available, Wilder is your number one?

– Yes.

Francis Ngannou (0-2 in boxing) last fought in PFL in October 2024, when he stopped Renan Ferreira. In boxing, the Cameroonian has had two bouts — losing a split decision to Tyson Fury and suffering a second-round knockout against Anthony Joshua.

In June, Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) defeated Tyrrell Herndon by seventh-round TKO. Prior to that fight, Wilder had lost four of his previous five bouts.

Photo: Newsweek