Home

Boxing

‘King of Kickboxing’ & Current Glory HW Champion, Rico Verhoeven, Calls Out Ex-UFC Champ Francis Ngannou for a Boxing Bout

Published 04/18/2023, 10:12 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Francis Ngannou has not found a new promotion after his exit from the UFC. With his exit, he has often been accused of ducking Jon Jones. Although he could not find a new promotion, but it seems he may have an opponent. Rico Verhoeven, who is the current Heavyweight Champion in Glory Kickboxing and is a very well-known fighter, has now expressed his interest in fighting Francis Ngannou in a boxing bout.

Verhoeven talked to Alex Agnew on his YouTube channel, ‘Welcome to the AA episode’. Fans know Rico Verhoeven as an athletic fighter despite his size. He has amassed a massive 60 wins in his career. If a fight between Verhoeven and Ngannou happens, it will definitely be worth watching for combat sports fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘King of Kickboxing’ ready to take on Francis Ngannou

While talking to ‘AA’ Verhoeven talked about crossover events. Showing his interest in facing Francis Ngannou, Verhoeven said, you know about those Crossover things, You shouldn’t answer, but yes, otherwise I’ll ask someone Ngannou for example who is now on float between boxing or in kickboxing I would do it but not MMA is just completely different sport so eh in boxing kickboxing none problem”

BKFC President Provides Huge Update on the Francis Ngannou Deal: “He’s Asking for Unrealistic Money”

Verhoeven has been undefeated for a long time. His latest victory came in October 2022. Verhoeven knocked out Hesdy Gerges in the 5th round to take his win count to 60. Francis Ngannou was on a string of good performances too. He was on a winning streak when he left the UFC. He had defeated the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Stipe Miocic, and Ciryl Gane in his winning run. It would thus be a very interesting match-up if Verhoeven and Ngannou can make things fall into place.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Francis Ngannou has not been able to sign a new deal

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Francis Ngannou had left the UFC on sour terms. He had accused the promotion of not safeguarding the interests of the fighters. Ngannou called out the promotion for lack of ‘protection’ and ‘guarantee’. The fighter, however, could not secure a deal with any other promotion. While multiple promotions have been counting the fighter including the BKFC, none have been able to get ‘The Predator’ in.

via Imago

BKFC has now lost interest and is reportedly not interested in the fighter anymore. Ngannou will soon have to fight for a promotion. Joe Rogan has said Ngannou is wasting every day he is not signing a deal. It’s a hard, cold fact and Francis Ngannou will have to win this battle before getting into an actual fight.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: After Chael Sonnen yet another UFC legend takes a jibe at the Diminishing power of Francis Ngannou

Where do you think Francis Ngannou should head? Do you think Verhoeven vs Francis Ngannou will be a good fight? Let us know.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Akshay Pallav

449Articles

One take at a time

Akshay Pallav is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He is passionate about MMA and is dedicated to producing high-quality content that is both informative and engaging for readers. Akshay has extensive experience covering the sport, including interviewing top stars like Marlon Moraes and Sage Northcutt.
Show More>

Edited by:

Debmallya Chakraborty