Ngannou vs Wilder: PFL Chairman Fuels Speculation Over Blockbuster Fight
The latest proposition of a fight between the Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou and an American hardest puncher, Deontay Wilder, has set social media agog, and pundits have begun setting up their prediction.
The chairman of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Davis, in a recent interview opened a talk on the possibility of a fight between Francis and Wilder.
Davis categorically revealed that a fight between the two heavyweight stars could take place with a mixed ruleset - combining both MMA and boxing in what could be a jaw-dropping crossover.
Notably, the two earlier mentioned boxers have, in recent times, suffered a terrible fate in the ring. After Ngannou retired from UFC, he lost points in a fight with Tyson Fury in 2023 and was also humiliatingly defeated by Anthony Joshua in 2024. His subsequent fight provided relief after knocking down Renan Ferreira.
Wielder's reputation as one of the most feared boxers is already a thing of the past. He has lost his credibility since after losing a trilogy to the Gypsy King. He has, in recent years, recorded more defeats. Significantly, his best days are behind him following back-to-back defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.
A match between the duo will give the boxers ample opportunity to embellish their portfolio. Davis hinting at the possibility of the match says:
"He's going to fight twice this year - once in MMA, once in boxing. What order?
"I'm not sure. What opponents? We're working on options. I think Deontay Wilder is one that we've talked about, that he has talked about. Some sort of mixed rules or alternating rounds or just taking one aspect away from MMA rules. I think Deontay Wilder is particularly interesting, but you have to get the fans to understand it, and it is a legitimate sport.
"We view it as upside but there is risk. There is no free lunch in the world whatever you do. Could he get hurt? Could he diminish his reputation? Could it delay certain schedules? Could it hurt other opponents? Of course, there is no free lunch. He's now the most beloved fighter because of the challenges and the risks he's taken so we view the upside as greater than the downside."
Davis was also quick to sing Ngannou's praises following a successful return to the cage against Ferreira. "I'm not even sure Francis knew he was still the baddest man on the planet," he said. "If we could all see into his soul, I'm not so sure walking into that cage that he knew. He showed he was.
"To do it after defying UFC, after blowing up the boxing world [with his split decision loss to Fury] and going through a personal tragedy [the death of his young son]. Then to show [that] in under one round against [Ferreira], who's 6'8" and a black belt... wow, he's the baddest man on the planet, no question."