Francis Ngannou remains resolute in his boxing journey despite a crushing loss to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. The MMA fighter, undeterred by his defeat, expressed his determination to persist in the boxing realm.
Ngannou, 37, faced a swift defeat in just two rounds, in what was perceived as a lopsided encounter against Joshua. Despite the setback, he dispelled any notions of abandoning boxing in favour of a permanent return to MMA.
“You can be sure I’m not done here. It wasn’t my day. He was way better than me today,” Ngannou asserted. “It sucks, but it’s the game. We all know that.”
Anthony Joshua, 34, delivered a dominant performance against Francis Ngannou, showcasing his prowess in the ring. Ngannou, who previously went toe-to-toe with WBC champion Tyson Fury, praised Joshua’s skill, acknowledging his first-ever knockout in both MMA and boxing.
“[Joshua] was quite special because he stopped me,” Ngannou admitted. “He did what Tyson couldn’t do. In fact, I didn’t feel the punch. I think that’s what a knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain. That’s how I know I was knocked out.”
Having transitioned from MMA to pursue his boxing aspirations, Ngannou has experienced a whirlwind of high-profile matches within a short span. However, despite his recent boxing endeavours, he is slated to return to MMA competition against Renan Ferreira, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) heavyweight champion.
Ngannou’s departure from the UFC last year marked a shift in his career trajectory, aligning with the PFL to explore his boxing ambitions while maintaining the option to compete in MMA. Yet, with the impending bout against Ferreira, Ngannou’s focus may shift back to the octagon, signaling a potential return to his MMA roots.
Since his last UFC appearance in January 2022, where he secured victory against Ciryl Gane, Ngannou has been immersed in his boxing pursuits. However, with the upcoming MMA bout on the horizon, Ngannou’s trajectory in combat sports remains dynamic and multifaceted.