Former Pride FC heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko, who retired from MMA a year ago, is on the lookout for a boxing opponent to join him in the ring.
Having secured the Pride heavyweight title in 2003 and showcasing his prowess in various promotions like Affliction, Strikeforce, and Bellator, Emelianenko is exploring the world of boxing in his post-MMA career.
Rumors circulated about a potential bout with Mike Tyson in Saudi Arabia last year, but the match did not materialize.
Undeterred, Emelianenko has shifted his focus to another formidable opponent, current MMA powerhouse and recent boxing sensation, Francis Ngannou.
Fedor vs @Francis_Ngannou in Boxing.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 19, 2024
How do you see this one playing out? pic.twitter.com/yTJe7Lffa4
“I can fight MMA guys too, I’d like to fight Francis Ngannou.” Fedor Emelianenko stated in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, discussing his boxing ambitions. “I want to box him, I can’t do MMA anymore but I’d like to box him, I saw that fight [between Ngannou and Tyson Fury]. Yes I’d like to fight him.”
“Maybe it’s… Not overconfidence, but It’d be interesting to fight him. It’s not that [I’m fearless for wanting to fight him], if a fighter goes in the ring and his hamstrings are shaking, that’s not an established fighter. I’m a fighter still.”
“Yes, I still have my form.” Fedor Emelianenko concluded in the interview. “I still have the interest [in fighting].”
With both Emelianenko and Ngannou holding significant positions in their respective MMA organizations' heavyweight divisions, the potential for a crossover matchup has generated considerable interest. Ngannou's recent foray into boxing saw him go the 10-round distance with Tyson Fury, displaying remarkable competitiveness despite losing by a narrow split decision.
In his upcoming match next month, Ngannou is set to face another boxing world champion, Anthony Joshua, in Riyadh. Emelianenko, who retired after a knockout loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 290, seems keen on facing prominent names to conclude his combat sports career on a high note.
The intriguing question on everyone's mind is whether Ngannou would be willing to temporarily step away from competing against active heavyweight boxing champions to enter the ring with an MMA legend like Emelianenko. As the potential matchup gains traction, fight fans eagerly await news on whether these two heavyweight titans will indeed clash in the boxing ring, adding another exciting chapter to their storied careers.