LAS VEGAS – Ray Sefo was incredibly impressed with the way Francis Ngannou performed in his boxing debut against Tyson Fury. However, Ngannou’s near victory in the ring may lead to adjustments in his scheduled debut for PFL.
Prior to the Fury fight, Ngannou was set to make his PFL debut in the first quarter of 2024. Nevertheless, Ngannou’s success in boxing has made PFL president Sefo and other executives hesitant about his return to MMA. There are talks of a potential rematch with Fury or matchups against top heavyweight boxers like Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua.
“That’s something we need to discuss further with the team,” Sefo told reporters during a media event at Xtreme Couture. “I know Francis would probably want some time off. He is currently scheduled to compete in February, but we have to sit down with the team and Francis to figure things out and see how we proceed.”
PFL founder Donn Davis recently expressed that MMA options for Ngannou “are not that interesting right now” and expects another boxing match next. Ngannou is expected to make a decision about his next step in the coming weeks.
Although the PFL might have to wait a bit longer for their biggest signing to debut with the promotion, everyone involved seems unfazed by the situation and continues to praise “The Predator.”
“What he accomplished was truly astonishing,” Sefo exclaimed. “This wasn’t just another MMA fighter trying his hand at boxing. He was fighting the world heavyweight boxing champion. To see him do what he did was remarkable because many doubted him. Personally, I thought he would have one to five rounds to finish Tyson Fury. But when he dropped Fury, his confidence soared. He remained composed, patient, and the fact that he went toe-to-toe for 10 rounds with the world champion is truly exceptional.
“I’m so happy for Francis. A lot of people were skeptical and thought he would be outboxed. But that didn’t happen. Francis held his own throughout the fight, and it easily could have gone his way. It was so close. In my opinion, he won because nobody expected him to last 10 rounds with the heavyweight champion of the world. So, congratulations, Francis. You did an incredible job, brother.”
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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