Francis Ngannou has been told his skills are only limited to MMA and he will not fare well in his crossover to boxing.
Ngannou, 36, vacated his UFC heavyweight title and left the promotion after turning down several new contract offers. The free agent is now able to sign with a rival MMA promotion or crossover to boxing, as UFC boss Dana White confirmed the organisation has waived their right to match any offer Ngannou receives.
The Cameroonian, who missed out on an $8million payday to fight UFC legend Jon Jones, has called out Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury for a crossover fight. Despite being one of the most feared knockout artists in MMA, Ngannou has been told by UFC light-heavyweight Anthony Smith that he will lose his star power when he competes in boxing.
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“He’s uncommon in MMA, he’s unique. He’s very special, but in professional boxing he’s average at best. He’s an average puncher, he’s a below-average boxer, he’s below average in his footwork and movement. He’s below average in his defence. He’s not going to fare that well as a heavyweight professional boxer. So because he has a fantastic name and an incredible highlight reel in MMA, he’s going to get a big fight for sure but probably just one," Smith said on the Believe You Me podcast.
It is unclear when Ngannou plans to fight again as he is still recovering from knee surgery, but the former UFC champion has outlined his plans to first compete in boxing instead of signing with another MMA promotion. Bare-knuckle boxing promotion BKFC and MMA league PFL are just two promotions to show interest in signing Ngannou since his UFC departure.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted a potential crossover fight between Ngannou and Joshua would be " fascinating ". Smith is hoping Ngannou can make secure himself a big payday outside of the UFC, but thinks he wouldn't stand a chance against WBC heavyweight champion Fury.
“I want all the fighters to make as much money as they possibly can,” Smith added. “I want you to dig deep into Uncle Dana’s pockets – as deep as you can. But I’m realistic, and I understand the sport and the business of the sport. Let’s say he gets the Tyson Fury fight. We know how that’s going to go. There’s not a world where Francis Ngannou beats Tyson Fury. Francis Ngannou is just a regular dude as a heavyweight boxer."
