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      Five boxing fights for Francis Ngannou after heavyweight star leaves UFC and eyes switch to the ring

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has paved the way for a move over to boxing after walking out on the UFC. Ngannou leaves while still the UFC heavyweight champion after failing to agree a new contract extension.
      Francis Ngannou has left the UFCCredit: Getty
      And the Cameroonian confirmed realising his long-standing dream of entering the boxing world is on the cards.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.”
      So here, SunSport takes a look at five massive options awaiting Ngannou in the ring.
      Tyson Fury
      The obvious choice would be the No1 in the world, unbeaten WBC champ Fury, 34, who has called out Ngannou before.
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      They even faced off against each other in April 2022 at Wembley when the Gypsy King knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34.
      Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum has given the fight the green light before, making it an easy one to make on paper.
      Tyson Fury with Francis Ngannou at WembleyCredit: BT SPORTS
      Deontay Wilder
      Wilder, 37, is another option Ngannou has talked up in the past and it is a guaranteed blockbuster for fans.
      They are considered two of the biggest punchers in the world, making for an explosive prospect.
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      And Wilder even claimed Premier Boxing Champions boss Al Haymon had discussed the Ngannou fight with him behind the scenes.
      Anthony Joshua
      Joshua, 33, has also been named by Ngannou as a potential boxing opponent alongside Fury.
      He said: “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Anthony Joshua has been called out by Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
      Dillian Whyte
      Whyte in the summer of 2020 recorded an unaired virtual face-off interview with Ngannou and claimed to have got the better of him.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn proposed a two-fight deal, with a bout in boxing and MMA, with ex-kickboxer Whyte having fought in the cage before.
      The Professional Fighters League have also just launched a pay-per-view super-fight division on DAZN, the same app Hearn works with.
      Dillian Whyte has exchanged words with Francis Ngannou beforeCredit: PA
      Derek Chisora
      Chisora, 38, has teased a move to MMA before and recently called Ngannou out.
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      He said: “I’m trying to fight Ngannou. I want to do it in the UFC and boxing.”
      Chisora was beaten by Fury in ten rounds in December but has ruled out retirement.
      Tyson Fury beat Derek Chisora in DecemberCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      KSI names THREE potential opponents for next fight including ex-UFC champion, unbeaten boxer and YouTube star

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      KSI has named THREE potential opponents for his next fight as he builds towards a massive grudge match with Jake Paul. The YouTube, music and crossover boxing star returned to the ring last Saturday at Wembley Arena against online rival Faze Temperrr.
      KSI celebrates after defeating Faze TemperrrCredit: Getty
      KSI, 29, was due to face Dillon Danis, 29, a 2-0 MMA fighter commonly known as Conor McGregor’s training partner.
      But Danis pulled out on less than two weeks notice, with gamer Temperr, 29, called up from the undercard in replacement.
      In the end, it mattered little who was in the other corner as KSI knocked Temperrr out in round one with with a two-punch combination.
      Afterwards, he called out Paul, 26, but insisted he will have one more bout until an end of year blockbuster with the American.
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      And KSI discussed who his next fight could be against while in a Twitter Space discussion with Tolbzter.
      He said: “Look, I’ve got several options. I think tomorrow I’m going to have a little call with my team, figure out what we’re going to do.
      “There’s plenty of options. We can have a few MisFits events to try and help with our options.
      “But obviously a lot of people are saying me versus Salt Papi, and you know that could be an option.
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      “A lot of people are saying me and obviously [Joe] Fournier, me and Woodley, etc.”
      Salt Papi, 28, shot to fame on TikTok but has been impressing in the boxing ring with three wins.
      He has scored two brutal knockouts on KSI’s undercard, most recently at Wembley against vlogger and MMA fighter Josh Brueckner, 27.
      Millionaire nightclub tycoon-turned 9-0 boxer Fournier, 39, was also in attendance to watch KSI’s win.
      The pair faced off after Temperrr was knocked out, fuelling speculation of a summer bout.
      “I didn’t want to go round just bullying the other YouTuber influencers in this space because I’m trying to help grow them.KSI
      And Woodley, 40, the ex-UFC welterweight champion, has twice crossed over to boxing in defeats to Paul.
      He was beaten on points in August 2021 before a brutal KO loss four months later in their rematch.
      Both Woodley and Fournier were considered before Danis signed to fight KSI, only to pull out.
      KSI has admitted he is keeping his options open and refusing to be nailed down to a next opponent.
      He said: “No one is set in stone. I said beforehand, there’s levels to this and I’m on a different level.
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      “I didn’t want to fight another YouTuber in this space, I kind of wanted to fight someone like Dillon, then me fight Fournier and then Jake.
      “I didn’t want to go round just bullying the other YouTuber influencers in this space because I’m trying to help grow them.”
      Salt Papi knocked out Josh BruecknerCredit: Getty
      KSI squares up with potential opponent Joe FournierCredit: Getty
      Tyron Woodley was knocked out by Jake Paul in their rematchCredit: SHOWTIME More

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      Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua called out by Francis Ngannou after UFC exit as heavyweight star eyes boxing switch

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has called out Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after leaving the UFC. The heavyweight has walked out as UFC champion after failing to agree a new contract with the MMA powerhouse.
      Francis Ngannou has called out Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022Credit: Reuters
      Anthony Joshua before his first fight with Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021Credit: Getty
      Now Ngannou, 36, is ready to realise his long-standing dream of making it as a professional boxer.
      And he is wasting no time in calling out two of sport’s best in Fury, 34, and Joshua, 33.
      Ngannou said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.
      “I discovered MMA first in my life and I feel like I have some mileage to give in my sport.
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      “In a perfect world, I go out there get some boxing match then get some MMA, depending on the challenges that are out there.
      “If they are out there, I want to fight the top guys in boxing. I don’t know, I think Fury has retired and come back.
      “I don’t know where Fury is right now, but now it is time. Before, we could not do anything concrete beyond the social media stuff.
      “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
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      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Fury faced off against Ngannou in April after he knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34, at Wembley.
      But at the time, the Cameroonian was injured and still in talks to extend his UFC deal.
      The UFC prohibit their stars from fighting outside of the promotion, unless given special permission.
      Conor McGregor, 34, was given so in 2017 for his loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 45.
      But Ngannou was told he would not be allowed to replicate McGregor’s move, leaving him unwilling to be tied down to one promotion.
      He said: “In that contract, I’m not free. I’m not an independent contractor. I have no rights.
      “I hand over all the power to you guys. I’ve seen in the past how you guys can utilise your power against me, and I don’t want that.”
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      Francis Ngannou with UFC president Dana White in January 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul celebrates 26th birthday with gruelling strength and conditioning training as Tommy Fury fight is ‘DONE DEAL’

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      JAKE PAUL celebrated his 26th birthday with some gruelling training – as it emerged his fight with Tommy Fury is a “DONE DEAL.” The American marked his big day by treating it like any other, working away in his Puerto Rico gym.
      Jake Paul celebrated his 26th birthday with some gruelling training
      Jake Paul in his Puerto Rico boxing gym
      His boxing banner Most Valuable Promotions uploaded a video of Paul in a tiresome strength and conditioning drill.
      The YouTuber-turned boxer was deep in a power exercise, exploding up in the air with resistance.
      His brutal session came on the same day journalist Ariel Helwani reported a deal for Paul to fight Fury on February 25 was done.
      It will be the third time the pair of celebrity boxing rivals have tried to settle their score in the ring.

      Fury, 23, was forced to pull out in December 2021 due to a rib injury and then last August amid a US visa issue.
      The travel woe still persists today, which left the UK and Middle East as frontrunners to host the bitter bout.
      Paul even offered to travel to Manchester on February 18 and fight Fury on enemy territory.
      But a more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia a week later was proposed and looks to have won the race.
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      Saudi boxing boss Prince Khaled added to further speculation as he posted a video with the tune, “signed, sealed, delivered.”
      Fury last boxed in Dubai in November in a last-minute exhibition against Rolly Lambert, 33.
      And Paul was a special guest commentator and slammed the six-round bout from ringside.
      Just a month prior, he had beaten UFC legend Anderson Silva, 46, to mark the biggest win in his 6-0 career.
      Talks between Paul and Fury have been ongoing since December and an announcement now awaits after a deal has been all-but confirmed.
      Tommy Fury’s fight with Jake Paul is a ‘done deal’ More

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      Tyson Fury tipped to fight Francis Ngannou for ‘go f*** yourself money’ after leaving UFC over contract row

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      UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland wants to see his team-mate and now free agent Francis Ngannou enjoy “go f*** yourself money” by fighting Tyson Fury.President Dana White revealed the Cameroonian-French fighter had been released from the UFC after failing to agree new terms on his deal.
      Ngannou with Fury in-ring last year teasing a fightCredit: BT SPORTS
      Strickland is sad to see his team-mate leave the UFC but tells him to fight FuryCredit: Getty
      White claimed the contract offered would have made Ngannou the “highest-paid heavyweight” in the history of UFC.
      But the two parties have failed to strike a deal after long-running talks, leaving Ngannou as a free agent and the heavyweight belt has been vacated.
      A crossover to boxing had been teased earlier last year when Ngannou appeared in the ring following Fury’s WBC title win over Dillian Whyte.
      Ngannou responded to a Fury social media callout last year: “I’m coming for all the smoke 💨💨💨. 2023.”
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      And now that Ngannou is a free agent, he can take on Fury “for all the smoke”.
      Team-mate Strickland is sad to see Ngannou leave the UFC, but says the heavyweight should enjoy “go f*** yourself money” by fighting Fury.
      Strickland told reporters following his win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 217 on Saturday: “I think it’s a damn shame to see Francis go.
      “He’s iconic in the UFC. He’s probably one of the greatest heavyweights we’ve ever had.
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      “It sucks he parted ways, but I hope that him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f*cking money. That’s a fight we deserve.
      “Again, it sucks he left. I’d love to see him fight in the UFC.
      “If the ‘Gypsy King’ sacks up and takes that fight against Francis, I mean, that’s ‘go f*ck yourself’ money.
      “That’s ‘I can go pee in a golden toilet seat. I can do whatever the f*** I want.’
      “It sucks he leaves, but if he can get that big money with Tyson, hat’s off to you Francis. Enjoy your ‘go f*** yourself money.’” More

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      Five opponents for KSI next including Tyron Woodley and Joe Fournier as YouTuber gears up for huge Jake Paul fight

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      KSI moved a step closer to his huge grudge match with Jake Paul after knocking out FaZe Temperrr. The YouTube, music and crossover boxing star laid out Temperr in the first round of their Wembley Arena headliner.
      KSI celebrates after defeating FaZe TemperrrCredit: Getty
      And he kept on track for a score settling super-fight against Paul at the end of the year.
      But KSI has maintained the bitter bout will not come next and he will instead return in the summer against a different opponent.
      Here, SunSport runs down who could be next on the social media sensation’s road to Paul.
      Joe Fournier
      Fournier, 39, is a millionaire nightclub tycoon-turned unbeaten 9-0 boxer who has tirelessly called out KSI, 29.
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      He was ringside in London to watch as Temperrr, 29, was left out for the count and faced off with KSI afterwards.
      It leaves Fournier as a frontrunner to fight KSI next.
      KSI squares up with potential opponent Joe FournierCredit: Getty
      Tyron Woodley
      Woodley, 40, crossed over to the boxing ring for his pair of bouts against Paul, 25, which ended in points and KO losses.
      The ex-UFC champion was considered as KSI’s next fight until 2-0 MMA fighter Dillon Danis, 29, was selected, only to pull out.
      Most read in Boxing
      KSI has poured cold water over fighting Woodley but the fans have made it clear they would like him to face the American next.
      Tyron Woodley has twice been beaten by Jake PaulCredit: Getty
      Slim Albaher
      YouTuber Slim, 28, is now 6-0 as a crossover boxer and beat DJ Tom Zanetti, 33, in a thriller on KSI’s undercard.
      He has also chased a fight against KSI and improved his chances following his co-main event win.
      But KSI could be ready to step outside of fighting fellow influencers and favour a more experienced opponent.
      Slim Albaher celebrates winning beating DJ Tom ZanettiCredit: PA
      Salt Papi
      Filipino Salt Papi, 28, has emerged as one of the most talented celebrity fighters, who is now 3-0 with two brutal KOs.
      He knocked out MMA fighter and vlogger Josh Brueckner, 27, at Wembley and received praise from across the boxing world.
      Papi would be a high risk and low reward fight for KSI, but the TikToker called out the internet mega-star.
      Salt Papi knocked out Josh BruecknerCredit: Getty
      Tommy Fury
      Fury, 23, has been caught up in the celeb boxing space after trying twice to fight Paul, talks which still resume.
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      And the 2019 Love Islander has made it clear Paul and KSI are the only two social media personalities he would entertain fighting.
      KSI has also opened the door to facing Fury in the past but again it could pose as a risky bout to take due to the experience disparity.
      Tommy Fury has opened the door to fighting KSICredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY More

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      KSI brutally knocks out YouTuber Faze Temperrr in boxing return to move step closer to Jake Paul grudge fight

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      KSI brutally knocked out YouTuber Faze Temperrr and moved a step closer to his dream grudge fight with Jake Paul. The social media, music and crossover boxing star returned to the ring in front of a packed out Wembley Arena.
      KSI celebrates victory against FaZe TemperrrCredit: PA
      And it was gamer Temperr, 29, in the opposite corner after 2-0 MMA fighter Dillon Danis, 29, pulled out with just weeks to go.
      But KSI, 29, proved it mattered little who he was in the ring with as a left hook and right hand combination closed the show in round one.
      He said: “I said I wanted to KO, I said I wanted round one. People need to understand the levels.”
      The Londoner has talked up a summer bout and was confronted by millionaire businessman-turned boxer Joe Fournier.
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      Fournier, 39, is 9-0 as a boxer and KSI is ready to return against him before finishing his boxing career in an end of year blockbuster with Paul.
      He said: “I need to be tested. I need more tests until I reach the final hurdle, Jake motherf****** Paul.
      “That’s the end game ladies and gentlemen, I said I wanted him at the end of the year and I will get him, trust.
      “But, before I get to that, Joe Fournier, Woodley, Slim, whoever it is, I’m going to destroy them.”
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      KSI came out of the traps early, chasing Temperrr across the ring with pure aggression.
      He was met with some sharp counter left hands from Temperr, who was using the most of his awkward southpaw stance.
      It led KSI to regroup and regain a bounce in his step and before Temperr knew it, a quick combination left him out for the count.
      KSI leaped in with a left hook and right hand, which was enough settle it all.
      The crowd erupted as KSI got another win under his belt and moved a step closer to settling the score with his arch enemy.
      KSI has moved a step closer to Jake PaulCredit: PA More

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      Logan Paul calls on brother Jake to fight Salt Papi after TikToker KOs MMA star Josh Brueckner on KSI’s undercard

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      LOGAN PAUL called on his brother Jake to fight Salt Papi after the TikTok star scored another massive knockout. Papi knocked out MMA fighter Josh Brueckner in the second round of their bout on KSI’s Wembley Arena undercard.
      Salt Papi celebrates victory against Josh BruecknerCredit: PA
      Jake Paul pictured with older brother LoganCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      The Filipino landed a perfectly timed left hook on Brueckner’s chin, leaving the American unable to beat the count.
      Papi, who brutally knocked out Andy Warski in August, moved to 3-0 as a crossover boxer.
      And he called out Jake – the most successful celebrity fighter at 6-0 – if KSI does not.
      Papi, 28, said: “If KSI doesn’t want to fight Jake Paul, send me to Jake Paul and I’ll fight him.”
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      And even Jake’s brother Logan is all for it as he pleaded for the bout online.
      He tweeted: “Salt Papi vs. Jake Paul I need it.”
      Boxing star Ryan Garcia also said: “Man Salt Papi needs to just turn professional lol.”
      “I want to see Jake Paul Vs Salt Papi no cap.”
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      Jake, 25, most recently beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in his last fight in October.
      And he is in talks to face Tommy Fury in Manchester in February to finally settle their long grudge.
      Meanwhile KSI wants the American in an end of year blockbuster.
      Salt Papi knocks out Josh Brueckner in round twoCredit: PA More