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Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Makes a Surprising Offer to Francis Ngannou

Published 04/21/2023, 8:02 AM EDT

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Fans and combat sports lovers woke up to a jaw-dropping snippet of news early today. Fascinated by former UFC Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannau‘s journey, the former unbeaten, five-division title holder and promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr. seems keen to rope him in his Mayweather Promotions‘ stables. The Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist has been a free agent since he departed from UFC early this year.

The thirty-six-year-old Ngannou made his UFC debut in 2015. He fought his way through, beating some of the biggest names, such as Alistair Overeem, Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, and Junior Dos Santos. His victory over Stipe Miocic on March 27, 2021, made him the Heavyweight champion. He successfully defended the title last year after scoring a win over the Frenchman Ciryl Gane on January 22. Eventually, he had to part with the title as his contract with UFC ended.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has an offer for ‘The Predator’

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After failing to reach an agreement by mid-December, the UFC renounced its one-year matching rights option. Thus, Ngannou became a free agent with no restrictions. Since then, he has been outspoken about his desire to pursue a career in boxing. He even seems to retain aspirations to fight Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Given his skills and prowess in the octagon, it shouldn’t surprise many that one of the biggest names in boxing wants Ngannou to join his line-up. In an interview with BetOnline.Ag, Floyd Mayweather Jr. said, “I would love to work with him. “I would love to sign him to Mayweather Promotions. He’s a very skilled guy, he was unbelievable from the highlights I was able to see in MMA, and if he wants to fight one of the top heavyweight guys, he should do it.

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As of now, any news regarding Ngannou accepting the tempting offer remains unavailable. However, in hindsight, the chance to collaborate with a boxing legend may be too good to pass up for him. As a veteran in the fight promotional venture since 2006, Mayweather Jr. has previously collaborated with UFC athletes. Therefore, suppose Mayweather Promotions were to ink a deal with Ngannou. In that case, it will be a big step. Besides the massive crowd pull, the Heavyweight division’s money-spinning ability is too tempting to ignore.

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On the other hand, such a move from a boxing promotions firm could be seen as an affirmation of the popularity of crossover boxing matches and tournaments. Moreover, Francis Ngannou, despite being a free agent, remains a big shot in the world of combat sports. Hence a line-up against one of the top names from boxing will prove a big draw.

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What is your take on Mayweather Jr.’s move? In addition, who according to you should Ngannou face? Let us know your views and opinions in the comments section below.

Watch This Story: After Chael Sonnen, yet another UFC legend takes a jibe at the diminishing power Of Francis Ngannou: “…There is Jon Jones out there okay.”

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Written by:

Jaideep R Unnithan

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Jaideep Unnithan is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With over 400 articles authored at ES, Jaideep has built a reputation for diving deep into stories and producing detailed reports. Jaideep's passion for the sport of boxing was ignited when his father shared his experience of watching Ali vs Frazier live in the US.
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Edited by:

Shibu Immanuel