Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou is searching for a high-profile boxing fight.
The 36-year-old was the reigning heavyweight champion when he walked away from the UFC at the end of his contract, earlier this year. Ngannou has since signed for the PFL and has stated that he will return to MMA in 2024 as he chases a high-profile boxing bout.
‘The Predator’ has previously faced off with Tyson Fury in the ring, while Deontay Wilder has also confirmed that discussions had taken place with Ngannou over a cross-sport two-fight series. However, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that there is another fighter in contention to welcome Ngannou to the sport.
READ: Tyson Fury teases 'big announcement' as WBC make key next fight decision
A high-profile heavyweight event is being targeted by Saudi Arabian company Skills Challenge Entertainment, which could include an undisputed fight with Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, as well as Anthony Joshua and Wilder. According to Hearn, Ngannou could also be set to feature on the card against another well-known name.
“There are rumours for a third fight that night (in Saudi Arabia) which could be Ngannou against (Derek) Chisora,” Hearn told the MMA Hour. “I actually quite like that fight because I don’t see Francis being competitive against Tyson or AJ, but more competitive against Chisora.”
Meanwhile, Hearn is confident of finalising an agreement for Joshua to face Wilder in December, while also targeting an earlier fight in August. The Matchroom promoter admitted that he has previously discussed a potential fight between ‘AJ’ and Ngannou but feels that the timing is not right for the former UFC star to fight the prize names in the division.
“I spoke to Anthony about the fight and with the stage he’s at in his boxing career, (Joshua) is chasing greatness. He wants to beat Wilder, he wants to fight Fury for the world title,” Hearn said. “When I brought up the Francis fight…he just wasn’t really interested.
“Fury would fight Ngannou but I just feel the problem is the only place you can generate the kind of money that both of those fighters perceive it’s worth is in the Middle East. Once the Middle East says no, the market’s dead for that fight.”
