Francis Ngannou reacts to Deontay Wilder’s loss against Joseph Parker after targeting the Bronze Bomber for mixed rules fight: ‘Licking my lips after watching this fight’
Francis Ngannou savored Deontay Wilder's loss to Joseph Parker on Saturday night, having recently targeted the Bronze Bomber as a potential future opponent.
The New Zealander claimed victory over Wilder in the co-main event of Day of Reckoning via unanimous decision, with the judges scoring 120-108, 118-11 and 118-110.
It was a disappointing performance from the American, who rarely came close to being a threat to his opponent.
And Wilder's lackluster fight caught the attention of Ngannou, whose confidence was likely boosted by the loss.
“Licking my lips after watching this fight,” the former UFC champion posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, during the fight in Saudi Arabia.
Francis Ngannou (photo) enjoyed Deontay Wilder's loss to Joseph Parker on Saturday evening
The American lost via unanimous decision, with the judges scoring 120-108, 118-11 and 118-110
Ngannou, who previously mentioned Wilder as a potential opponent, responded to the defeat on X
Ngannou recently confirmed that 'discussions' were underway with Wilder's camp over a potential mixed rules fight that could take place inside the octagon.
There were also rumors this week that Wilder had signed a two-fight contract to fight Anthony Joshua next year, who defeated Otto Wallin on Saturday night.
However, following his unanimous defeat to Parker, Wilder seemed to suggest he could retire from professional boxing.
'We'll see what happens. “We still have a little bit left, but I have managed my money very well,” he told DAZN Sports after the fight.
Meanwhile, Ngannou – who lost to Tyson Fury via split decision – also identified Joshua for a mixed rules fight.
Speaking about his ambitions to take on Joshua, Ngannou told the newspaper Club Shay Shay podcast: 'Anything he wants. Ring or octagon. The great thing is that I'm the one who can go anywhere comfortably.
Wilder has hinted he could retire from professional boxing following his defeat to Parker
Ngannou defeated heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut
“My comfort zone will be the octagon, but I'm going to go to the ring and put them in a bad spot in the ring.”
'I have my territory [in MMA] where they can't mess with me. When they come, they need something like a favor, like, “I'll give you this, we'll get a kick out of it.”
“I have to give him something, but when we get in the ring, they don't give me anything and I still get them in trouble,” he added.
The call for Joshua to cross over to Ngannou's better-known octagon is unexpected.