Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou wants $30 million to box, as a prominent MMA manager recently alleged.
Ngannou parted ways with the UFC earlier this year after a lengthy contract dispute with the promotion. After getting his wish of being released from the UFC, Ngannou wants to make the move to boxing and realize a lifelong dream in the ring.
Ngannou has a few big names on his mind for his professional boxing debut, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. In addition, he wants to end his longtime push for better fighter pay and to be rewarded with a massive paycheck for his first walk to the ring.
Ngannou wants to be paid handsomely for his fighting return despite no previous boxing experience of any kind.
Ali Abdelaziz: Francis Ngannou Wants $30 Million For Boxing Debut
In a recent Instagram story post, boxing promoter Tolya Sulyanov shared a screenshot of a recent text conversation with Ali Abdelaziz about Ngannou’s financial wishes.
If Abdelaziz’s claim is true, Ngannou wants a paycheck similar to the likes of top boxing stars like Deontay Wilder and Canelo Alvarez. He wanted flexibility in his UFC contract and cited that money wasn’t the focus of talks for a new deal.
Ngannou last fought against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in his first and only heavyweight title defense. He was expected to face Jon Jones next, but Ngannou couldn’t come to terms with the promotion.
Ngannou made just $600k for his last UFC win over Gane via unanimous decision. While the figure topped all other fighters on the card, it’s still a small fraction of what he wants to compete in boxing.
what has he done to deserve this…world amateur champ or Olympic champ?
what’s his pro boxing record?
has he proven that he can beat a decent journeyman AT pure BOXING with boxing gloves
As Chael mentioned the other day being a “free agent” with no management doesn’t make you more appealing or help you. Promoters want to work with someone who has stability in his camp and wanting to get you for multiple fights.
Outside of Francis one punch power he offers very little from a promotional standpoint. Same goes for Wilder as both have the personality of a peanut. Wilder is definitely more marketable but he’s not a talker.