FRANCIS NGANNOU enjoyed Deontay Wilder’s defeat to Joseph Parker and teased a fight with the American.
The former UFC champion made a crossover to boxing when he faced Tyson Fury in October.
Ngannou, 37, narrowly lost that clash but after watching Wilder struggle against Parker he fancies his chances against the big hitter.
Wilder lost via unanimous decision with the judges scoring the contest 120-108, 118-11 and 118-110 in the Kiwi’s favour.
Ngannou took to X to mock Wilder, saying: “Licking my lips after watching this fight.”
The Cameroonian heavyweight is rumoured to have held talks with Wilder’s camp over a potential mixed rules fight.
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After leaving the UFC Ngannou signed for the Professional Fighters League, whose CEO Peter Murray named Wilder as a future opponent.
He said: “Absolutely, ongoing. I’m going to see Deontay [Wilder] next week and we want the four-ounce gloves on him with Francis in the cage.”
Wilder, 38, previously called for a two-fight deal with Ngannou to meet in the ring and cage.
But Murray has teased that a mixed-rules bout could be agreed in a bid to level up the playing field, a hybrid never before seen.
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However Wilder hinted he could retire following his defeat to Parker, with the former world champion suggesting he has earned enough money from the sport.
Wilder said: “We’ll see what happens, we still have a little bit left, but I did a great job managing my money. I’m a happy fighter.
“I’ll be back, and if not, then it’s been a pleasure. I don’t know [if I still have the same fire I used to], a lot has calmed me down.
“I’ve been wearing this smile all week long and I’m still going to wear it. Nothing can stop me on that.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
