In recent months, Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou have been heavily linked to finalize a bout before the end of 2025. Given their past history, fans thought it was surreal to see them possibly face off this year.
However, Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel has sent mixed signals about the potential fight. At first, he expressed openness, but later ruled out any bout in the near future.
Deontay Wilder Open to Fight with Francis Ngannou Next Year
Ngannou has shown serious interest in boxing since leaving the UFC in early 2023. The Cameroon-born fighter made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October 2023, going the full 10 rounds and even knocking down the heavyweight champion in Round 3. Though Fury won by split decision, the performance established Ngannou as a legitimate boxing threat.
He followed that up by fighting Anthony Joshua in March 2024, where he was knocked out in the second round but still earned respect for his boxing skills against elite competition.
When Ngannou called out Wilder, writing, “It’s time to finally settle the debate,” everyone got serious because he referred to the man who has the hardest punch in combat sports.
Francis Ngannou calls out Deontay Wilder 👀
“It’s time to finally settle the debate.”
🎥 @francis_ngannou pic.twitter.com/LdVJSTkkW2
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 22, 2025
Wilder’s manager, Finkel also initially responded positively, telling Sky Sports that “Deontay would be open to that fight next year.” But days later, he backtracked, telling World Boxing News that “Deontay Wilder will not be facing Francis Ngannou in 2025. That fight is not happening this year.”
Deontay Wilder is open to a 2026 fight with Francis Ngannou ‼️👀 pic.twitter.com/NymnYIsMkW
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 23, 2025
The 39-year-old Wilder just beat Tyrell Herndon after losing to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. A fight with Ngannou, who has already boxed the Gypsy King and Joshua since leaving the UFC, would give both men a high-profile payday.
Wilder, with his right hand, produced 42 knockouts in 47 fights. Meanwhile, Ngannou holds the UFC record for the hardest punch at over 129,000 units. A fight between the two would settle the debate over who has the most devastating punch
But the conflicting statements of Finkel have left fans confused about whether negotiations are serious. This directly shuts down recent speculation about a potential crossover bout between them happening anytime soon.
Ngannou’s UFC Goodbye Makes Wilder Crossover Fight Possible
This potential matchup exists because the former UFC star left the organization in early 2023. His departure came after the promotion refused to let him box or co-promote fights during contract talks.
The UFC previously blocked a superfight between Ngannou and Jon Jones, even when Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh tried to make it happen. Ngannou later explained the UFC “doesn’t want anything to do with co-promotion stuff.”
Now free of those restrictions, Ngannou can pursue big-money fights against opponents from other sports. A clash with Deontay Wilder is exactly the kind of opportunity he had in mind when he walked away.
Wilder, meanwhile, has several paths in front of him. This year, he is expected to focus on lower-level boxing bouts to bring some positive momentum to overshadow his recent losses. So, Major commercial fights with Oleksandr Usyk or Joshua do not appear likely before 2026.
It remains to be seen when his fight with Ngannou will take place among those mega commercial schedules.
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