Francis Ngannou has stepped up his coaching routine as discussions advance towards a boxing match with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. DAZN Boxing has signalled curiosity in a Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou matchup.
Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou
On August 21, Ngannou posted a coaching clip to Instagram, captioned “It’s time to lastly settle the controversy. @bronzebomber,” by which he drills overhand rights with measured energy and timing. The video exhibits Ngannou’s dedication to refining his boxing fundamentals, significantly his signature overhand proper – an artillery piece he goals to check in opposition to Wilder’s famed punching energy.
Ngannou, 38, first ventured into skilled boxing in October 2023, dropping Tyson Fury earlier than shedding a cut up choice in Riyadh. He then suffered a second-round knockout by Anthony Joshua in March 2024. Following that setback, Ngannou returned to blended martial arts and secured a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira in October 2024 to assert the PFL Tremendous Struggle heavyweight title. Francis Ngannou is the lineal UFC heavyweight champion who additionally holds the heavyweight title of the PFL.
In an August 18 look on The Ariel Helwani Present, Ngannou confirmed the Wilder combat “is gonna be quickly,” noting that groups on either side are “setting some issues up” although formal negotiations have but to conclude. He emphasised that his coaching stays fixed, no matter timing, and framed the Wilder match-up as his most popular problem in fight sports activities.
Deontay Wilder, 39, has additionally proven curiosity in going through Ngannou, although specifics are unknown. Wilder returned to the ring in June, stopping Tyrell Herndon in seven rounds, marking his first victory since a knockout of Robert Helenius in 2022.
Wilder’s camp has not publicly detailed phrases, but the social media alternate – together with DAZN Boxing’s response to Ngannou’s publish – alerts momentum is constructing towards a deal and potential promotional partnership. DAZN Boxing’s on-platform engagement hints that the bout may very well be staged underneath its banner.
Ought to Ngannou and Wilder finalize phrases, the matchup would symbolize a marquee crossover occasion. Ngannou’s forays into boxing have drawn important pay-per-view curiosity, thanks partially to his uncooked punching energy and MMA pedigree. Wilder, as soon as one of many division’s most feared knockout artists, retains title recognition that may gasoline viewership regardless of blended current outcomes. Each fighters enter the challenge with reputations for single-punch fight-ending capability, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown within the heavyweight division.
