Deontay Wilder vs Francis Ngannou: The Battle of Two Hard Hitters in the Works
The heavyweight division might soon witness one of the most explosive crossovers in combat sports history as Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou move closer toward a clash. After months of speculation, Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel revealed that his fighter is open to taking on Ngannou, though fans will likely have to wait until 2026 for the showdown.
Wilder, who recently returned to the win column with a stoppage victory over Tyrrell Herndon, is looking to rebuild momentum in the boxing world. At 39 years old, he still carries the same knockout power that made him one of the most feared men in the division. With 42 of his 44 wins coming by knockout, Wilder’s reputation as one of the hardest punchers in history remains intact.
On the other side stands Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion who has quickly made waves in boxing. Despite losing his first two outings to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou showed flashes of danger, especially when he dropped Fury and pushed him to a split decision. His transition from MMA to boxing has only amplified his image as a power puncher, and his name continues to attract huge interest.
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What makes this fight so compelling is the promise of raw power on display. Ngannou himself has claimed there’s an 80 per cent chance someone goes to sleep if he and Wilder meet in the ring, and it’s hard to argue against that prediction. Both men are known for ending fights in brutal fashion, and together they could produce a spectacle that captivates both boxing and MMA audiences.
While Finkel confirmed that a 2025 clash is off the table, he hinted that Wilder could take a tune-up fight before setting up the blockbuster. Ngannou, meanwhile, remains active in both boxing and MMA, with his schedule also shaping how soon the crossover bout can happen.
If it comes together, Wilder vs Ngannou will not only decide who carries the heaviest hands in combat sports but also serve as another milestone in the growing trend of crossover super fights. Fans may need to be patient, but this is one battle that promises fireworks whenever it lands.
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