23 December 2023
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
2. Francis Ngannou vs Deontay Wilder
Let’s focus on this bout in MMA, despite the very real possibility that it could happen in boxing first. The PFL and Wilder have publicly entertained the bout and there is no doubt that the intrigue of seeing a powerhouse in Wilder bring his weapons to MMA is greater than the other options for Ngannou’s promotional debut. The idea of the two having a gentleman’s agreement to keep the fight standing should be enough to excite the fan base and would be a fitting headliner for what is expected to be the biggest non-UFC pay-per-view event for an MMA promotion in many years.
While the PFL would undoubtedly like the bout, one has to imagine that Ngannou’s performance against Fury raised the appeal of hosting the bout in boxing. Following Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker last month, a planned bout between Wilder and heavyweight star Anthony Joshua might have lost enough luster that a bout with Ngannou could be seen as the bigger bout to be made. From Ngannou’s standpoint, taking the bout in boxing first could be more enticing than taking it in MMA. It is understood that the top boxers command paydays that dwarf those in MMA and the prospect of getting another cut of the proverbial pie could sway the powers that be to prioritize making the bout in the ring instead of the cage.
(Ngannou is now set for a fight with Anthony Joshua; depending on how that goes, Wilder may still be in the cards).
