Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has expressed his anticipation for the upcoming heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. This pivotal matchup holds significant implications not just for the fighters involved, but also for Ngannou’s aspirations of a rematch with Fury, which he fervently desires in 2025.
Ngannou’s initial encounter with Fury in October 2023 left him with more than just a lingering disappointment. His split-decision loss has been criticized widely; many observers, Ngannou included, believe the judges were biased against him. The bout had seen Ngannou deliver a stunning knockdown of Fury, raising questions about the judging criteria and the overall fairness of the decision. The fallout from that fight has haunted him, as he grapples with the notion that a victory was snatched from his grasp.
Despite that setback, Ngannou faced continued challenges in the boxing ring, enduring a knockout loss against Anthony Joshua shortly thereafter. However, he rebounded by transitioning back to MMA, achieving a first-round TKO victory over Renan Ferreira in October. This trajectory shows that while he suffered disappointment in boxing, he remains resilient and adaptable.
Ngannou made it clear in a recent interview that despite his ups and downs, boxing continues to be a focal point of his career. “I’m not coming back because I never left – I’m still around,” he stated. This declaration signifies his commitment and passion for the sport, hinting at a desire to prove himself further in boxing amidst the ongoing debates over his previous bout against Fury.
His eagerness for a rematch with Fury demonstrates a competitive spirit that refuses to fade. It’s a testament to his character that while he accepts the challenges he has faced, he remains focused on what lies ahead. Ngannou’s assertion that he still seeks to settle the score with Fury underlines an ambition that is not just driven by rivalry but also by a need for personal validation.
The outcome of the upcoming fight between Fury and Usyk is critical for Ngannou’s plans. Should Fury win, discussions around a potential trilogy bout may arise, complicating Ngannou’s hope for an immediate rematch. Conversely, a defeat for Fury could pave the way for Ngannou to secure that highly anticipated rematch. Even in expressing his expectations, Ngannou remains respectful towards Usyk, admitting that he was wrong about the Ukrainian’s capabilities and commending his previous performances.
As the boxing world watches the Fury-Usyk showdown closely, Ngannou’s future remains intertwined with the result. As he navigates his career in the wake of past disappointments, one thing is clear: Francis Ngannou is not done yet, and he aims to reclaim his place in the heavyweight narrative, one way or another.