Francis Ngannou v Martin Bakolé: will the fight happen?

Thanks to his MMA standing, Francis Ngannou did not have to work his way up to the top of heavyweight boxing. The former UFC champion went straight to headlining fights. But after his defeats by Tyson Fury and, especially, his knockout against Anthony Joshua on Friday, the Cameroonian and his fans are coming back down to earth.

Ngannou now needs to face less prominent opponents to rebuild. Since this weekend, one name has repeatedly emerged as a potential opponent: Martin Bakole. It would be an excellent match-up between the Cameroonian giant and the Congolese Leopard, arguably Africa's best current heavyweight. If held in Cameroon or Congo, it would certainly be a major marketing opportunity.

There are, however, several obstacles to making it happen. Bakole, currently number 1 in the WBA heavyweight rankings, must face American Cassius Chaney (36). The WBA ordered the fight because the winner is due to be the next challenger to Germany's Mamadou Charr, who currently holds the WBA belt. It is hard to see Bakole passing up that chance at the belt to fight Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, meanwhile, still has ambitions in boxing but reportedly has a fight awaiting him in MMA with the PFL. He is expected to face Brazil's Renan Ferreira.