Francis Ngannou has revealed he is working on a boxing match against former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. The Cameroonian fighter, who has competed in just two professional boxing bouts, said he is 'setting things up' for the clash.
Ngannou, 38, made his boxing debut in 2023, losing a controversial split decision to Tyson Fury despite knocking down the WBC champion. He then suffered a second-round knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2024. However, he returned to mixed martial arts in October, stopping Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the PFL Super Fight heavyweight title.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou confirmed his pursuit of Wilder. 'Yes, I am pursuing it,' he said. 'We haven't engaged personally, but it's gonna be soon. We're setting some things up, but I keep training.'
Wilder, 39, last fought in June, stopping Tyrell Anthony Herndon in seven rounds. That victory ended a two-fight losing streak, having been knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in 2024 and outpointed by Joseph Parker in 2023. The American has not fought since June 2024.
Ngannou also addressed his relationship with the PFL, with whom he has one fight remaining on his contract. 'All you have to know is that we are good,' he said. A potential bout with UFC legend Jon Jones, which Ngannou had previously sought, appears off the table after Jones vacated the heavyweight title and retired.
