18 February 2023 , 19:06
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Francis Ngannou has insisted that he only meets Deontay Wilder in the boxing ring despite his rival's interest in an MMA bout.
Ngannou recently left the UFC and vacated his heavyweight title after failing to agree a deal with the promotion and its president Dana White. The Cameroon star had been regularly hinting during his contract dispute at a potential career in the boxing ring and has regularly been embroiled in conversations over a potential fight with Tyson Fury.
This week a new potential opponent has emerged in the shape of power-punching Wilder who has made a return to the heavyweight division despite question marks over his future. The 'Bronze Bomber' proposed that the pair meet as part of a two-fight plan which included a debut for the American in MMA.
In their latest public conversation over a potential heavyweight showdown, Ngannou responded to Wilder's call-out, tweeting: Welcome to the free world, Deontay Wilder. I hope you are a man of your word. See you soon." He later added in an adjustment to the potential of an MMA clash: "I said only boxing so he can keep his limbs. Like I said we will see if he’s a man of his word."
Ngannou has a natural background in MMA given his success in the UFC which saw him reign as the promotion's heavyweight champion, a status he only lost after vacating his belt late last year. Now the Cameroon star is a free agent and is understood to have a number of offers on the table.
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Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested he would be open to exploring a fight deal with Ngannou, while Dillian Whyte has also expressed interest in a potential clash. 'The Predator' has already verbally agreed terms to face Fury but may face an anxious wait with the 'Gypsy King' instead expected to challenge Oleksandr Usyk.
Francis Ngannou could face Deontay Wilder in the boxing ring (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Would you like to see Deontay Wilder v Francis Ngannou? Let us know in the comments section below
However, Wilder believes he is the man to step up to the plate and welcome Ngannou to the sport, and revealed previous conversations were held with the UFC over a fight. D uring an appearance on Trill Boxing, Wilder responded: "Most definitely, I love Francis. When I met him at the UFC Apex in Vegas he was talking about doing it that time, I'm still interested in it and I would love to go to Africa for that fight.
“When he was with Dana [White, UFC president], me and Dana sat down and talked about it. When he brought the idea to me the whole saying was 'if it makes dollars it makes sense'. That's all they need to know. I know he's doing his own thing and I'm proud of him for following his heart, doing what he feels."