MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko has turned to a new challenge: boxing. Despite retiring from MMA following his loss to Ryan Bader in February 2023, Emelianenko is keen to explore a career in the sweet science. His desire to test his skills in the boxing ring has led to speculation about potential opponents, and one name that stands out is Francis Ngannou.
Emelianenko’s boxing ambitions
After retiring from MMA, Emelianenko quickly expressed an interest in boxing. He originally targeted a fight with Mike Tyson, but with that plan unclear, he shifted his attention to Ngannou. Emelianenko’s desire to face Ngannou stems from a combination of his intrigue and belief in his abilities, despite the limitations of his MMA retirement.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, made waves in the boxing world with his debut fight against Tyson Fury. Although Ngannou came up short with a split decision loss, his performance garnered widespread praise and elevated his standing in the boxing community. Emelianenko views Ngannou as an attractive opponent and a significant challenge in the boxing world.
Possibility of a matchup between Emelianenko and Ngannou
Emelianenko acknowledges the difficulty of transitioning from mixed martial arts to boxing, but is undaunted in pursuing a fight with Ngannou. His willingness to step into the ring against such a formidable opponent speaks to his confidence and competitive spirit. But the logistics of arranging such a fight remain uncertain, especially considering Ngannou’s upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua.
A potential showdown with Emelianenko remains speculation as Ngannou continues to pursue his boxing ambitions. Emelianenko’s interest in facing Ngannou adds an interesting dimension to both fighters’ stories, but the practicality of making such a clash a reality poses major challenges. Nevertheless, the prospect of his two legends of different martial arts crossing paths in a boxing ring captivates the imagination of fight fans around the world.
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