TLDR: Terence Crawford, the WBO welterweight champion, has advised Francis Ngannou to face lower-tier opponents in boxing before taking on top heavyweights. Crawford believes that while Ngannou is a powerful puncher in MMA, boxing is a different discipline. He suggests that Ngannou should get accustomed to the nuances of boxing by fighting opponents with skill and experience, as the sport requires different strategies and techniques. Although Ngannou has expressed interest in facing Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury, it remains uncertain if those matchups will come to fruition. Ngannou has postponed his PFL debut until 2024.
Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC caused a significant stir in the MMA world, as he became the first reigning champion since B.J. Penn to leave the promotion. The former UFC heavyweight champion has since made headlines by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and expressing his intent to make his boxing debut later this year. However, Terence Crawford, the WBO welterweight champion, recently offered some advice to Ngannou, suggesting that he face lesser opponents before stepping into the ring with top heavyweights.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Crawford was asked about Ngannou’s potential in boxing. Crawford acknowledged Ngannou’s punching power and his success in MMA but stressed that the dynamics of boxing are different. Crawford expressed doubt about Ngannou’s chances against the current top heavyweights in the world, cautioning him to gain experience and familiarity with boxing by fighting lower-tier opponents first. He emphasized the importance of facing skilled opponents who can challenge and outthink him, as boxing requires a different set of skills and strategies compared to MMA.
Crawford further advised Ngannou to get accustomed to the challenges of boxing, including dealing with opponents who possess counterpunching abilities. The welterweight champion warned Ngannou about the consequences of facing top heavyweights like Deontay Wilder, emphasizing the knockout power possessed by such fighters. According to Crawford, one mistake against these elite boxers could result in being knocked out and enduring a long recovery period.
While Ngannou has expressed his desire to face boxing stars like Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury, it remains uncertain if those matchups will materialize. The PFL debut for Ngannou, who has decided to focus on his boxing career, has been postponed until 2024. As he prepares for his transition to the world of professional boxing, Ngannou will need to carefully consider the advice of Terence Crawford and gradually acclimate himself to the sport’s unique demands.
The potential clash between Ngannou, known for his devastating power, and top heavyweight boxers has captivated fans and sparked speculation. However, it seems that Crawford believes Ngannou should take a measured approach, gradually building his experience and skills in the boxing ring before facing the elite heavyweights. Only time will tell how Ngannou’s boxing career unfolds and if he will eventually step into the ring with the best in the division.
