In a surprising turn of events, Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has found himself ranked as the number 10 heavyweight by the World Boxing Council (WBC) after his recent showdown with Tyson Fury. This astonishing development comes as Ngannou had no prior professional boxing record before stepping into the ring with the British boxing sensation, Tyson Fury.
The bout between Ngannou and Fury, which took place recently, captured the attention of the sporting world. Ngannou, at 37 years old, put up an impressive fight, narrowly losing to Fury on points after managing to knock down the seasoned British fighter. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Fury’s WBC heavyweight title was not on the line for this bout, primarily because Ngannou had not been previously ranked by the WBC.
However, the WBC made a significant announcement during their 2023 convention. They decided to recognize Ngannou’s prowess in the ring and awarded him the coveted number 10 ranking in the heavyweight division. Deontay Wilder, another formidable fighter, was placed at the top of the contender list as the number one, with Anthony Joshua securing the second position. The WBC, as one of the major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing, maintains its own world rankings, distinct from the rankings maintained by the IBF, WBO, and WBA.
In addition to Ngannou’s ranking, the WBC also declared that they would not call for a mandatory challenger to Tyson Fury’s title until the following year. Fury himself is gearing up for a colossal showdown in February against Oleksandr Usyk, the current WBA, WBO, and IBF champion. This fight promises to be an electrifying encounter as it marks the first time since 1999 that two undefeated fighters will vie for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
With his newfound boxing recognition, former UFC champion Francis Ngannou is set to make waves in the world of boxing. Speculations are already swirling regarding potential matchups with established boxing legends like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. However, fans may have to wait a bit longer for these dream bouts to materialize, as Joshua and Wilder are slated to face separate opponents on the same card in Saudi Arabia on December 23, 2023. It’s a tantalizing prospect, as the two could potentially square off in 2024, creating fireworks in the heavyweight division.
In a sport where surprises are never in short supply, Francis Ngannou’s remarkable journey from the UFC octagon to the WBC’s top 10 heavyweights is yet another testament to the unpredictability and excitement that combat sports bring to fans around the world. As Ngannou continues to hone his boxing skills, the future holds the promise of even more thrilling and unforgettable moments in the world of combat sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Rise
Q: Who is Francis Ngannou, and why is he making headlines in boxing?
A: Francis Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion who recently gained recognition in the world of boxing. He garnered attention after his closely contested fight with British boxer Tyson Fury, despite having no prior professional boxing experience.
Q: What is the significance of Ngannou’s ranking as the number 10 heavyweight by the WBC?
A: Ngannou’s ranking in the top 10 heavyweights by the World Boxing Council (WBC) is a significant achievement. It signifies his rapid rise in the sport of boxing and the recognition of his skills, even though Fury’s WBC title was not at stake in their bout.
Q: Who are the top contenders in the WBC heavyweight rankings, according to the latest announcement?
A: In the latest announcement by the WBC, Deontay Wilder is ranked as the number one contender, while Anthony Joshua occupies the second position in the heavyweight rankings.
Q: What is the WBC, and how do its rankings differ from other boxing organizations?
A: The WBC, or World Boxing Council, is one of the major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing. It maintains its own world rankings, which are separate from the rankings maintained by other organizations such as the IBF, WBO, and WBA.
Q: What’s next for Tyson Fury, and how does Ngannou fit into the boxing landscape?
A: Tyson Fury is set to face Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, WBO, and IBF champion, in an undisputed heavyweight contest. As for Ngannou, he plans to continue his boxing career and is rumored to be considering matchups with fighters like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder in the future.
Q: When can fans expect to see potential fights between Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Ngannou?
A: Joshua and Wilder are scheduled to fight on the same card on December 23, 2023, in Saudi Arabia, but they will face separate opponents. The much-anticipated clash between Joshua, Wilder, and Ngannou may potentially happen in 2024, offering fans an exciting prospect in the heavyweight division.
More about Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Rise
- Francis Ngannou’s Wikipedia Page
- WBC Official Website
- Tyson Fury’s Official Profile
- Deontay Wilder’s Profile
- Anthony Joshua’s Official Website
- Oleksandr Usyk’s Profile
5 comments
Fury fight with Usyk sounds like epic! Long time since 2 undefeated champs clash.
Joshua, Wilder, Ngannou? Whoa, dat card gonna b massive!
Ngannou, now in top 10 WBC heavies? unbelieveble, but he duz it!
Hope Ngannou keeps boxing, exciting times ahead!
wow, Ngannou’s story is sooo cool! He go from UFC 2 boxing, big jump! Fury better watch out!