The future looks bright for Francis Ngannou but also uncertain.
The former UFC heavyweight champion is currently the center of attention in combat sports following his shocking and impressive performance in his split decision boxing loss to Tyson Fury this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Many are clamoring for an immediate rematch, but it looks like Fury will fight Oleksandr Usyk next and Ngannou will go back to MMA.
Eric Nicksick, head coach at Xtreme Couture, strongly believes a rematch between the two will happen down the line.
“I think they have to, I really do,” Nicksick told MMA Junkie Radio when asked about a potential rematch. “I think they have to. After that performance, how can you not? In the ring, John Fury, the whole Tyson Fury team was so nice and so gracious. Let’s not get it twisted: They provided us with a great opportunity. We needed two to tango, and Tyson kind of gifted us that opportunity. I felt like they kind of thought they were doing us a favor, and we were trying to spoil that. I think being the competitor that Tyson Fury is, I’m sure that he doesn’t want to not give that opportunity. I don’t want to say he didn’t take it seriously, but I don’t think he expected some of the things Francis was able to do in the fight and accomplish, so he probably wants to get that back and show that he’s a much better boxer. But I definitely think these guys will fight again.”
Few gave Ngannou a chance to not only win but also survive the 10 rounds scheduled for his boxing match against Fury. After all, this was Ngannou’s boxing debut and Fury is the WBC heavyweight champion with more than 30 professional fights.
Yet, despite the odds and critics, Ngannou gave Fury one of his toughest bouts. He scored the only knock down of the fight, and in many’s eyes, did enough to win the decision.
Nicksick was not affected one bit by the outside noise leading up to the fight.
“No one gave us a chance,” Nicksick said. “No one, really no one. I’m kind of immune to it by now. We had literally four or five months of people saying we (Sean Strickland) can’t beat Izzy, we can’t beat this guy. So you just kind of become immune to it.”
For more on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.
