UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou believes there is a good possibility that some form of a boxing match will take place against WBC world champion Tyson Fury.
Ngannou wants the fight with Fury to happen in 2023.
This past Saturday night at Wembley Stadium in London, a record crowd of 94,000 watched Fury retain his title with a sixth-round knockout of mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.
After the contest was over, Ngannou entered the ring - side by side with Fury - with the two fighters taking part in a live interview to express their desire for a cross-sport showdown.
Ngannou believes that there is a "70%" chance of their fight coming off.
"We both want this fight, that's clear, and we respect each other," Ngannou told the MMA Hour.
"Probably next year it will happen. I think it's going to happen, it's just a matter of our promotions, but we will sort this out at some point."
Ngannou, who retained his title back in January with a decision win over mandatory challenger Cyril Gane, would like to face Fury in a hybrid bout where various aspects of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) are combined - in order to place them on more of an even playing field.
"Make it a hybrid fight, something that makes it a little uncomfortable for him as a boxer," Ngannou said. "Ideas like MMA gloves or fighting barefoot. I don't know, we still have to figure this out. I would say there's a 70% chance (my next opponent) is Tyson Fury. On his side I would say 90% against me."
Ngannou's contract with the UFC is technically up. According to his recent statements, he will not sign a new agreement unless the contractual terms would allow him to face Fury in a boxing match.
