Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannu has given an update on his highly anticipated professional boxing debut.
After failing to extend his contract with the UFC in January, Ngannou left the organisation and had his title stripped, and it is now held by Jon Jones.
Now it's expected that Ngannou will venture into the world of professional boxing and is hoping to face one of two former world heavyweight champions in his first fight inside the squared circle.
"I'm considering everybody [as an opponent]. I talked to [promoter] Eddie Hearn about Anthony Joshua, I don't know what's going to happen," Ngannou told ESPN.
"The most that we have spoken with is Deontay Wilder's team. We've been having some exchanges, basically coming to some sort of verbal agreement."
But while Ngannou will be changing disciplines for his next move in combat sports, the 36-year-old believes a return to MMA is inevitable.
"My next step has to be boxing," Ngannou added.
"I want to do one boxing match first, and then maybe go back to MMA because I still enjoy MMA. I want to do a couple of fights in boxing.
"We are working on some stuff and hopefully in a month or two, I will be able to come out with an announcement on potential fight dates and locations.
"It's taking a little longer than I expected but it's coming along. Big things come with time."