Francis Ngannou just pulled a Rocky Balboa. Like the Sylvester Stallone character, he went into a boxing match with the heavyweight champion of the world where no one would expect him to stand a chance. And like Rocky, while he lost on the judges’ scorecard, he took Tyson Fury to deep waters and lost to a very close and very controversial split decision to ‘The Gypsy King’.

After the fight, a shocked combat sports world came out to hail his performance in his first professional boxing match. Certainly, PFL, the promotion that the Cameroonian is currently signed with couldn’t be happier. They now arguably have the greatest heavyweight in all of the combat sports signed with them. And one senior official made heads turn recently by comparing himself to a great leader.

PFL VP compares Ngannou to anti-apartheid icon

Loren Mack, Senior VP of the Professional Fighting League (PFL), took to Linkedin to congratulate Ngannou on his Fury performance. He also chimed in with others and felt that Ngannou won the bout, called him remarkable, and that he was one of the greatest athletes ever.

“Congratulations to PFL fighter Francis Ngannou on an incredible fight and an amazing showing. Personally, I believe that he won that fight…What Francis stands for inside and outside the cage is truly remarkable. He stood his ground, bet on himself, and is now changing the combat sports world…His skill and courage make him easily one of the greatest athletes to ever live….My little buddy Chatri Trisiripisal even once said that Francis could be the next Nelson Mandela. You never know, Francis is truly one of the greats. #amazing” he wrote.

Mack concluded by recalling what Chatri Sityodtong, ONE Championship CEO, said whilst trying to woo ‘The Predator’ after his UFC exit. Sityodtong reportedly said that Ngannou could be the next Mandela because of how popular his promotion was in Asia. Nelson Mandela was a South African activist who spent his life fighting the racial apartheid policies of South Africa. He became the first President of Africa after apartheid was abolished in 1994. How exactly Ngannou, with his excellent athletic abilities can be ‘the next Mandela’ is mind boggling. It was, no doubt, something Sityodtong said in order to attract Ngannou to ONE.

Now with all might and glory, Ngannou is set to appear for PFL as he resolved to continue boxing and exploring other avenues in a post-match interview.

When will Francis Ngannou make his first PFL appearance?

Before the Fury fight, Ngannou had spoken about making his first appearance in the PFL in 2024. And while there is no indication that he has had a change of heart, speculations are rife. Many, including Daniel Cormier, have suggested the Cameroonian, who, according to his coach, will be ranked by all major boxing sanctioning bodies, should continue his pro boxing career.

Also Read: ‘Five Years Old’ Francis Ngannou Possessed Power of a 10-Year-Old, Ex-UFC Champ’s Mother Makes Bold Claim Before Million Dollar Tyson Fury Clash

The reason for this is the obscene amounts of money Ngannou could make boxing the biggest names in heavyweight than he could make as a mixed martial artist in the PFL. This is why fans are excited to hear from Ngannou about his future plans.

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