Former WBC world heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder has expressed his desire to fight former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Wilder also stated that he is ready to fight Ngannou by MMA rules.
I'm interested in this fight, and I'd love to do it in Africa. I admire Francis for following his heart and doing what he thinks is right. I'm very interested in this - let's do it, man! Two big black superheroes. I even had this idea: let's make a two-fight deal. Everybody comes to boxing, but let's do it this way - you come to my sport and I'll come to yours. I'm a real warrior. I take it very seriously and I want to do something special.
Deontay Wilder for Trill Boxing Talk
Wilder, 37, had his last fight against Finland's Robert Helenius in October 2022. In this fight Deontay knocked out his opponent in the first round. Wilder had 43 wins (42 by KO), one draw and two losses.
Early in 2023, Ngannou made the decision to quit the UFC and became a free agent. Recently, Matchroom Boxing president Eddie Hearn said the Cameroonian could make his professional boxing debut in the summer of 2023 against Britain's Anthony Joshua. Ngannou made his last appearance at UFC 270 in January 2022, beating Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision. Ngannou, 36, has 17 wins and three losses under his belt.