Tom Aspinall has suggested that a change in sport might be the only way he ever gets to fight Francis Ngannou.
The fight did not happen during Ngannou’s time with the UFC, as Aspinall was still making his way up. Now, with both holding titles in different promotions, there is plenty of interest in seeing them face off.
But Dana White has not shown any interest in bringing Ngannou back, and there is little reason for Aspinall to cross over into PFL. So, if it does happen, it will likely be in a boxing match.
Tom Aspinall realistic about boxing future after UFC
Aspinall appeared alongside longtime friend and training partner Tommy Fury in a video on his YouTube channel, where they touched on the possibility of big fights. The two go back to Aspinall’s brief stint in boxing, and Fury still rates his skills highly.
When it comes to title hopes, though, the 32-year-old knows the path is not a realistic one at this stage of his career.
“I couldn’t try to be a world champion. I don’t know.
“You need to dedicate your whole life to becoming a world champion, but I’ve spent my whole life doing MMA now, haven’t I? For me to be 33 and then think I’m going to win a world title in boxing is unrealistic.”
Tom Aspinall open to ‘freak show’ boxing match with Francis Ngannou
Instead of going after traditional boxing matches, Aspinall thinks the better route might be to face other MMA names looking to cross over.
“I reckon I could have a couple of, like, not freak show fights but big fights, you know what I mean? A big name or something… I wouldn’t mind boxing an MMA fighter,” the Salford native said.
Aspinall responded to Fury’s suggestion of a boxing match against Ngannou with enthusiasm, saying: “I think that would be good, I like it.”
However, he added that his focus remains on his scheduled UFC bouts before he considers stepping into the boxing ring.
Ngannou holds a unique contract with the PFL that permits him to participate in lucrative boxing matches. He has already earned millions from high-profile fights in Saudi Arabia against major opponents like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
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