New UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has targeted future boxing bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, days after capturing MMA gold.
French-Cameroonian Ngannou exacted revenge on Stipe Miocic last weekend, knocking out the consensus greatest heavyweight in UFC history to take his title – three years after losing to the Croatian-American on points with the belt on the line.
While a first title defence could come against former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, negotiations are proving difficult on Jones’ end, with the American demanding what he deems adequate pay if he is to step in the Octagon with Ngannou.
In the meantime, Ngannou has begun to consider a return to his boxing roots.
The 34-year-old, who formerly boxed at an amateur level before turning professional in mixed martial arts, told ESPN he is certain that a boxing venture is in his future.
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When asked about potential clashes with heavyweight champions Fury and Joshua – who are set to face off in the near future in all all-British contest to unify their titles – Ngannou said: “This is in the future. It’s somewhere, definitely.
“I’m going to box, I have to box in my career.
“My main dream has always been the noble art, and even though I deviated into MMA – which I love – I still have to fulfil something in boxing.”
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Ngannou, known for his hellacious power punching, has a 16-3 record in MMA, with 12 of his wins coming by knockout and four coming via submission.
‘The Predator’s three defeats have all come by way of decision, while all of his victories have come in either the first or second round.
Ngannou stopped Miocic, 38, early in the second round of their main event at UFC 260 last weekend.
