Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou gave the performance of a lifetime during his debut against Tyson Fury. Ngannou was matched up against one of the most dominant fighters in the heavyweight division and many believed the Cameroonian would be steamrolled. However, the result could not have been any more wrong.
Francis nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history but lost via a close split decision. The former UFC fighter dropped Fury in the third round of their bout and performed far better than anyone expected him to. Although Tyson Fury took the win by the narrowest margins, the Predator’s professional debut was the highlight of the event.
The 35-year-old had the entire combat sports world on the edge of their seats. After the dominant performance fans have started matching him up against the rest of the heavyweight fighters. Many already believe that Ngannou is a much better boxer than Deontay Wilder who lost twice to Tyson Fury.
How does a Deontay Wilder vs Francis Ngannou fight play out in your opinion? pic.twitter.com/vNkK6Frj8b
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 29, 2023
“Wilder going to sleep,” tweeted one fan on X. Although there were mixed responses and many still doubt the PFL fighter, Ngannou has established himself as a solid contender in the heavyweight boxing scene.
After his professional debut in Riyadh, Francis has nicely set himself up for several million-dollar fights in the future. Additionally, he will also be ranked among the top 10 heavyweight fighters in WBC.
Francis Ngannou to be ranked among top 10 WBC heavyweight fighters
After a dominant debut in Riyadh, Francis Ngannou’s team has an interesting update on his boxing career. The Cameroonian fighter entered the ring as the obvious underdog due to his fighting history. Although, Francis was a champion in a premiere MMA organization his opponent was a 6 feet nine inches elite boxing champion.
Several doubted Ngannou from the start and believed the whole event was a huge gimmick. However, after his performance last night, the 35-year-old made it clear that he was there to stay. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman after witnessing the performance is ready to offer Francis a spot among the top 10 heavyweights.
Ngannou’s coach Dewey Cooper in his ringside interview revealed that he had a conversation with the WBC President after the bout. During their conversation, Sulaiman stated that Ngannou is better than most of the heavyweights in the top 10.
Dewey Cooper told me ringside after #FuryNgannou that Mauricio Sulaiman, president of WBC, told him Francis Ngannou will be ranked top 10 at heavyweight after tonight’s bout. pic.twitter.com/jbIxaXkKpm
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) October 29, 2023
“Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of WBC, says he’s gonna rank Francis in the top 10 because he’s better than most of the heavyweights in the top 10. He said that in the ring. So, absolutely you’ll see him again,” said Cooper.
Matchroom Sports chairman Eddie Hearn has also stated that a rematch between Ngannou and Fury is much more interesting than Fury vs Usyk. With Eddie promoting Anthony Joshua, chances of the Predator going head-to-head with Anthony could become a reality very soon. How do you rate Francis Ngannou’s debut? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.