Oct 30 2023
Francis Ngannou Expresses Confidence Despite Boxing Debut Loss
In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Francis Ngannou, the renowned MMA legend, reflected on his boxing debut and the challenges he encountered. Although he did not secure a victory in his first professional boxing match, Ngannou's performance garnered praise for his seamless transition from the world of mixed martial arts to the boxing ring.
Responding to the interviewer's amazement at the fight's outcome, Ngannou stated, "You are not alone. So many people didn't see that coming… It's not bad for my first proper boxing fight. I was really looking for a win tonight. I think we did a pretty close fight. I could have won… maybe I should have done a little more to convince that I wanted to win." Despite the judges' verdict not going in his favor, Ngannou remained confident in his performance, stating, "I think I got it. I knocked him down in the second round and then I had some good rounds where he was in deep trouble. We had some rounds pretty even, but I definitely believe that I won this fight."
Ngannou also offered insight into his opponent's strategy, emphasizing, "There's a reason why he was running. I didn't knock him out, but I did knock him down, I did hit him. So he knows there was a risk coming… Everybody feels different when they get hit."
Reflecting on the psychological impact of getting hit in a fight, Ngannou noted, "Everybody gets hit, and your mind changes. It doesn't matter if you get hit by a boxer or by a ping pong player. When you get hit in your face, it feels different, and then you think differently."
Surprisingly, despite the intense battle, Ngannou's appearance remained unscathed. When the interviewer pointed out that there didn't appear to be any marks on his face, Ngannou explained, "He did land some good punches, but not enough to hurt me."
Ngannou's fans played a pivotal role in motivating him during the fight, with friends and family from his home country coming to support him. He acknowledged the significance of this support, stating, "This is the first time in my career that I'm fighting with my family and friends from my country coming to support me. Even if this was a fight, this is also a huge event, a cultural event… I'm trying to enjoy, to be part of the history and have fun, and also give this moment to my family."
Looking ahead, Ngannou remains optimistic about his future in both MMA and boxing. He expressed his intention to continue competing in both disciplines, emphasizing, "It has never been a one-off thing. I didn't plan to come here for a one-off. Obviously, I still intend to do some MMA fights, but this isn't a one-off. After this, I'm going back home with a bittersweet taste in my mouth, so I really want to come back and make things right and get my victory."
When asked about the possibility of becoming a champion in both MMA and boxing, Ngannou responded with unwavering confidence, saying, "Yes, I could become a champion in both. I believe in it. That's why I'm here. It's about faith."
In conclusion, despite his boxing debut loss, Francis Ngannou maintains a positive outlook on his future in both MMA and boxing. His ability to adapt and compete in both disciplines suggests an exciting journey ahead for this remarkable athlete.