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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Harry Davies

Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou to be offered fight with boxer Derek Chisora

Francis Ngannou could fight Derek Chisora on the same night as Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou, 36, left the promotion at the beginning of this year in the hopes of securing a big-money boxing fight. 'The Predator' called out the likes of Joshua, Wilder and Fury but he could now be set to share a card with the three heavyweights as Eddie Hearn revealed there are discussions for Ngannou to face Chisora in December.

"There are rumours for a third fight for that night in December which could be Ngannou against Chisora," Hearn said on The MMA Hour. "I actually quite like that fight because I don’t see Francis being competitive against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, but more competitive against Chisora."

Do you want to see Francis Ngannou fight Derek Chisora? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below

Saudi Arabia are the frontrunners to host the illustrious heavyweight event as Skills Challenge Promotions, who recently added Usyk to their roster, plan to make Fury a "premium offer" to set up the undisputed fight. Both Joshua and Wilder have confirmed they have received offers as the duo are set to make career-high paydays.

Ngannou signed with PFL last month as he will make his debut for the MMA promotion in their pay-per-view super-fight division next year. The Cameroonian has insisted that he wants to compete in boxing before competing again in the cage and Hearn thinks Ngannou has a chance against any top heavyweight because of his knockout power.

Francis Ngannou wants to secure a big payday in boxing (AP)

“What Francis wants to do is land a massive payday," he added. "The only difference in the heavyweight world is Francis can really punch. Listen, if he lands one on Fury, if he lands one on AJ, or lands one on Chisora, he can win the fight. You need a site fee for a fight like that. I don’t know what Francis wants, but you’re talking about tens of millions of dollars for those fights, and it may just not be there."

Joshua admitted he wasn't interested in a fight against Ngannou as he wants to work towards becoming a three-time world champion. Fury welcomed Ngannou into the ring after he knocked out Dillian Whyte last April to tease a crossover fight. Wilder said he is willing to take a two-fight deal against Ngannou that would see the pair fight in both MMA and boxing.

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