Wilder Responds to Ngannou’s Boxing Match Proposal
In a surprising development, Deontay Wilder has reacted to former UFC champion Francis Ngannou’s proposal for a boxing match, sparking speculation despite the contrary assertions from Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel. While Ngannou has been vocal about wanting a fight with Wilder, emphasizing a desire for a high-stakes showdown, Finkel has made it clear that such a clash is not in the immediate plans, potentially pushing it back to 2026.
Finkel’s Statements on Fight Plans
Earlier this year, Finkel disclosed to World Boxing News that Wilder would not be stepping into the ring against Ngannou in 2025, stating,
“The fight is not happening this year.”
He hinted that Wilder’s schedule includes an additional fight before the year concludes, with aspirations for a substantial matchup in 2026, likely involving well-known opponents like Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder’s Readiness to Fight
Despite these plans, Wilder has reignited interest in facing Ngannou, firmly asserting his readiness to face the former mixed martial arts star.
“Respect, but I’m ten toes down,”
Wilder proclaimed, emphasizing he harbors no fear and is steadfast in his commitment to fight, urging Ngannou to step into the ring.
Ngannou’s Pursuit of a Bout
Following a surprising performance where Ngannou knocked down boxing champion Tyson Fury in 2023 before ultimately falling to Anthony Joshua, he continues to pursue a bout with Wilder, a matchup that would pit two of combat sports’ most formidable power punches against one another.
Future Fight Considerations
However, Finkel’s latest comments indicate a belief that Wilder’s return to a massive fight will take time, particularly as they evaluate the viability of a Ngannou confrontation. Wilder, having claimed victory over Tyrrell Herndon this summer, has reiterated that his knockout power is undiminished, but Finkel suggests that Wilder will likely take on another opponent of similar stature to Herndon before entertaining any high-profile matchups.
Conclusion
The boxing community watches closely as both Wilder’s and Ngannou’s next moves remain uncertain. The idea of involving Ngannou in an undercard event for Wilder may serve as a strategic step to generate interest in a future matchup, but the priority appears to be ensuring that Wilder is prepared for his next significant challenge before facing Ngannou.
As the landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen how this boxing saga will unfold, with both fighters expressing their desires to clash while navigating the complexities of fight planning.
About the Author
Phil Jay brings over 15 years of rich experience in boxing journalism and has served as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010. He is known for his in-depth coverage of the fight world and his interviews with numerous world champions.
