Ngannou Scores Boxing KO
Francis Ngannou recorded his first boxing knockout since losing to Anthony Joshua in 2024, headlining #ZuffaBoxing03 on February 16. The former UFC heavyweight champion's return to the boxing ring marks a significant bounce-back performance after his high-profile defeat.
- This victory marks Ngannou's first official win in professional boxing, bringing his record to 1-2. His two prior losses came against heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. - In his professional debut in October 2023, Ngannou scored a knockdown against Tyson Fury before losing a controversial split decision. His subsequent fight was a second-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in March 2024. - Outside of boxing, Ngannou is an active mixed martial artist with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is the reigning PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion after a first-round knockout of Renan Ferreira in October 2024. - Ngannou was the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion when he vacated the title and left the promotion in January 2023. He cited the desire for freedom to pursue opportunities like boxing as a key reason for his departure. - The event, Zuffa Boxing 03, is part of a new promotion launched by UFC CEO Dana White in partnership with Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman, Turki Al-Sheikh. - Zuffa Boxing aims to apply the UFC's centralized matchmaking model to boxing, establishing its own titles across eight weight classes and forgoing the sport's traditional sanctioning bodies.
