Francis Ngannou to Receive WBC Top Ten Ranking
Sadly, preferential treatment is nothing new in boxing. But things are about to be taken to a new level in regards to the WBC and MMA star Francis Ngannou (0-1). WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said the sanctioning body plans to rank Ngannou in the Top Ten for their upcoming heavyweight ranking. The reason for their move is Ngannou’s split-decision loss to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury on October 28 in Saudi Arabia.
Fighting in his first fight as a professional, Ngannou shocked many with how well he performed. He knocked Fury down in round three and forced The Gypsy King to fight on the back foot throughout much of the contest. More than a few boxing observers felt the former UFC heavyweight champion deserved the verdict.
AN UNDESERVED RANKING
Ngannou would likely be ranked anywhere from six to ten. But just because Ngannou exceeded expectations, does that mean he should suddenly be a top-ten-ranked heavyweight? For this to occur, he will jump a current fighter in the top ten. If you’re a currently ranked heavyweight who has paid their dues, you would have to be outraged at the WBC. The move is unprecedented when it comes to the heavyweight division.
In reaction to this news, some observers argue that Ngannou deserves the right to be ranked and compare his situation to Vasyl Lomachenko, who was world-ranked after one professional fight. The problem with that comparison is that Lomachenko was a decorated amateur, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and competitor in the World Series of Boxing before turning pro. That’s not the case for Ngannou.
Here’s the reality: a special exception is being made for the MMA fighter. The sanctioning body is guilty of being a prisoner of the moment. Additionally, it’s a slap in the face to boxing. Despite his performance against Fury, there is no way that Ngannou should leapfrog others in this manner. Detractors of the sport say that it’s full of corruption and entitlement. Unfortunately, this move by the WBC will only strengthen their criticisms.
