Terence Crawford believes there'll only be one outcome if former UFC star Francis Ngannou boxes with a top heavyweight today.
The WBO welterweight champion was asked about the new PFL signing's chances in boxing the likes of a Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.
It's something he can actually do thanks to his PFL contract. But as far as Crawford is concerned, Ngannou has virtually no chance whatsoever.
“Listen, that guy is a puncher,” Crawford said on The MMA Hour. “He’s doing his thing in MMA, but it’s different over there, calling out the top heavyweights of the world today. I don’t see him having a chance with either one of those guys, and that’s just being honest.”
“Bud” acknowledges that Ngannou has some skills, but if he were to give him any advice, it would be to test the waters first before challenging any of the elite heavyweights.
Especially given Wilder's knockout power in particular.
“He’s got some skills,” Crawford added. “I would tell him, get your feet wet, try to fight some of those lower-tier guys first, just to feel yourself out, and get used to being in the ring, going rounds. It’s different. MMA and boxing are different. So just get used to some people with skills coming back at you and out-thinking you, the whole realm of boxing, before you go over there and try to mess with those guys. Because one guy that you’re going to get one shot — and if you mess up, you’re going to be knocked out into next week for messing with — [is] Deontay Wilder.
“If he hits you, you’re going to sleep. Deontay Wilder, he hits you, you’re going to sleep. Tyson Fury, he went to sleep and woke up. I don’t see too many other guys doing that. Deontay Wilder is one of the biggest punchers ever, so just keep that in mind.”
Francis Ngannou has not competed since Jan. 2022 having undergone knee surgery since. He is expected to make his PFL debut in 2024.
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