Ngannou open to boxing match vs. Fury
Francis Ngannou's UFC title reign just started, but the heavyweight champion is already thinking about what he might be able to do in a different combat sport.
Ngannou said in an interview published Monday that he's "absolutely" open to a crossover to boxing and fight against world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury.
"I would like to fight other heavyweight boxers such as Tyson Fury. ... I'm open to that," Ngannou told TMZ Sports. "Remember, boxing was my primary dream. I still have the fire, the dream inside me. I believe that at some point, I'm going to make the step."
Ngannou isn't the first UFC heavyweight titleholder to express interest in a boxing match. Stipe Miocic, whom Ngannou beat to win the title in March, wanted to face Fury or Anthony Joshua during his reign.
Ngannou, the most feared knockout artist in mixed martial arts, finished Miocic in the second round at UFC 260 to become the new UFC heavyweight champion. He's riding a five-fight winning streak and is expected to face either Jon Jones or Derrick Lewis in his first title defense.
Fury, meanwhile, is looking to face off with Joshua in a massive title fight later in 2021.