Wilder accepts Ngannou challenge as talks warm for heavyweight clash

Deontay Wilder has publicly accepted a challenge from former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, saying he is ready to stage a high‑profile heavyweight showdown as he seeks to rebuild momentum after a low‑key comeback win. The 39‑year‑old former WBC champion issued the invitation this month on social media and in interviews, while Ngannou and Wilder have traded public calls for the bout that promoters say would generate major interest if it can be arranged.

"Hey, Francis, let's get it on, baby," Wilder told The Ariel Helwani Show. "Your power against mine. Let's test it. If you're down, I'm down. We can even go to the motherland, Africa. Let's go." He also posted on Instagram: "Respect, but I'm ten toes down. No fear, no fold, no fake. Always ready, always solid. Step in the ring and you'll see what that means." Ngannou, 38, has made similar overtures publicly and told Helwani he expected talks to begin soon.

The rhetoric contrasts with comments from Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, who has cautioned that a Wilder‑Ngannou crossover is not imminent. Finkel told reporters earlier that Wilder would likely take another tune‑up fight before targeting a blockbuster in 2026, and that a...