PFL Insists Free-Spirit Franny A Lock For 2024

Will he or won’t he?

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was expected to make his PFL debut in 2024, but a breakout performance against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury last Oct. in Riyadh has made “The Predator” one of the hottest names in boxing.

That’s how the Cameroonian power puncher was able to land another blockbuster boxing match, this time against former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Defeating “AJ” could score Ngannou the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk.

So where does that leave PFL?

“He’s got a big fight coming up now with AJ, right, on the heels of shocking the world and Tyson Fury,” PFL CEO Pete Murray told John Morgan. “We’re really proud and happy for Francis, but he will be returning to the cage later this year after the Joshua fight, so we’re putting that fight together, and Francis is going to take on both sports, and it’s just been incredible to watch his journey, and more to come there.”

Murray may want to compare notes with PFL founder Donn Davis, who recently told the combat sports media that potential opponents in MMA are “not that interesting right now,” with the exception of reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

It’s also unlikely that PFL can match this exorbitant payday.

“In addition, not only will Francis return to the PFL stage in our Super Fights division, but we’ll be making announcements in March on PFL Africa because it is on for 2025 with Francis at the helm as our chairman,” Murray continued. “Francis is very excited about it. Francis is committed to the PFL. He’s committed to continuing competing in MMA, so we don’t expect (a win over Joshua to prevent a PFL debut).”

Ngannou insists a victory over Joshua will lead him to a Tyson Fury rematch.

One of the reasons Ngannou, 37, refused to re-sign with UFC is because the promotion’s contracts were too restrictive, and now “The Predator” may find himself in a position where he needs to make choices that could impact his overall earnings. Then again, if Joshua wins decisively, that will pretty much end this debate for the foreseeable future.