‘He can cause trouble for everyone’ who will be the winner

“He can give people trouble.” This bold statement by Otto Wallin speaks volumes about the growing buzz around Francis Ngannou and his potential return to professional boxing. The Cameroonian powerhouse has proven his might in mixed martial arts, but now, with discussions swirling about his comeback to the ring in 2025, could he pose a serious threat to established heavyweight talents?

Ngannou, who became the UFC heavyweight champion before parting ways with the promotion, has transitioned into the world of boxing after a dominant win in his PFL debut against Renan Ferreira. His crushing first-round TKO victory in October underlined his continued prowess in striking. Yet, it’s his previous boxing bouts that have sparked the most intrigue. Ngannou’s performances against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua left lasting impressions, despite mixed outcomes. Against Fury, he pushed the WBC heavyweight champion to a split decision, while Joshua knocked him out. Nevertheless, these results have only strengthened his reputation as a formidable force in the ring.

Wallin’s Take: Ngannou Can Do More Damage Than Expected

According to Otto Wallin, a respected heavyweight who has shared the ring with both Fury and Joshua, Ngannou’s boxing abilities are more dangerous than many realize. Wallin, speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, explained that while Joshua was well-prepared for their fight and ultimately stopped Ngannou, the Cameroonian boxer impressed him with his skills.

Wallin said, “I think he did really well with [Tyson] Fury… he did much better than anybody could’ve imagined.” This echoes the sentiment that Ngannou’s raw strength and natural fighting talent could give him a competitive edge in boxing, despite his inexperience. Wallin believes that Ngannou could still pose problems for some of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing.

Ngannou’s Strengths: Big, Strong, and Ready to Rumble

What sets Ngannou apart from other potential boxing contenders is his sheer power and size. At 6’4” and nearly 270 pounds of muscle, the UFC legend has a physical presence that few can match. Ngannou’s knockout power is his trademark, and if his boxing technique continues to improve, his brutal punching power could make him a true force to reckon with in the ring.

Moreover, Ngannou’s past performances show that he’s capable of going the distance with the very best, as evidenced in his fight with Fury. Wallin noted that while Ngannou lost by decision, he exceeded expectations. That experience, combined with his natural talent, sets the stage for a potential upset if he faces off with the right opponent in 2025.

Could Ngannou’s Next Opponent Be Rico Verhoeven?

As Ngannou looks ahead to his return to boxing, many are wondering what’s next for him. Rico Verhoeven, the renowned Dutch kickboxer, has already expressed interest in facing the Cameroonian knockout artist in a superfight. The two have had discussions, according to Verhoeven himself. “I’m open to all kinds of fun,” Verhoeven stated, revealing that the idea of a future showdown with Ngannou has been on the table for some time.

If these talks materialize, it could lead to a spectacular clash between two of the most feared fighters in combat sports. Ngannou’s knockout power versus Verhoeven’s striking mastery—this potential matchup is one that would undoubtedly draw attention from both the boxing and kickboxing worlds.

Ngannou’s Boxing Return: The Heavyweight Shake-Up We’ve All Been Waiting For

As the anticipation builds for Ngannou’s next steps in boxing, many are eager to see if he can truly challenge the likes of Fury, Joshua, and other top-tier heavyweights. With his blend of power, athleticism, and growing experience in the squared circle, it’s clear that Ngannou has the tools to make waves in boxing.

Whether he can capitalize on this momentum remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Francis Ngannou’s return to boxing will be one of the most exciting storylines in the sport in 2025. Will he shock the world and become the next heavyweight champion, or will his lack of experience ultimately cost him? Only time will tell, but fans will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats.