Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Journey: Unveiling the Untold Story Behind the MMA Champion
Francis Ngannou, the Cameroonian-French heavyweight sensation, isn’t just a newcomer to the boxing scene; his roots run deep in the sport. While many perceive his transition from MMA to boxing as a recent development, heavyweight Carlos Takam unveils a lesser-known chapter of Ngannou’s combat journey.
In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports’ Sahil Sood, hosted by Press Box PR, Takam challenges the narrative surrounding Ngannou’s entry into boxing, shedding light on the fighter’s longstanding connection to the sport.
As Ngannou prepares to face off against Anthony Joshua for his second pro-fight at the Kingdom Arena of Riyadh, Takam’s comments offer a fresh perspective on the heavyweight’s trajectory. Contrary to popular belief, Ngannou’s venture into MMA wasn’t a detour from boxing but rather a continuation of his lifelong passion.
“People always say, Francis Ngannou come from MMA to boxing, whatever, whatever. But I just don’t wanna talk… Francis Ngannou come to the boxing, to MMA, and now, he leave the MMA to the boxing, okay. So, he doesn’t come to MMA through boxing. No, he started from boxing. After boxing, he went to the MMA…. Yes, Francis Ngannou is a boxer before he become world champion in UFC,” Takam emphasized.
“People always say, Francis Ngannou come from MMA to boxing, whatever, whatever. But I just don’t wanna talk… Francis Ngannou come to the boxing, to MMA, and now, he leave the MMA to the boxing, okay. So, he doesn’t come to MMA through boxing. No, he started from boxing. After boxing, he went to the MMA…. Yes, Francis Ngannou is a boxer before he become world champion in UFC.”
Ngannou’s journey traces back to his roots in Cameroon, where he trained diligently in a local gym, fueled by aspirations of emulating his idol, Mike Tyson. His dreams of boxing stardom were ingrained in him long before the allure of MMA beckoned. For Ngannou, boxing wasn’t just a sport; it was a calling that shaped his identity and fueled his ambitions.