Five next boxing fights for Francis Ngannou after UFC star teases switch to ring including Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte

FRANCIS NGANNOU has moved closer than ever to pursuing his dream boxing switch.

The heavyweight, 35, retained his UFC title against against Ciryl Gane, 31, in what was the final fight in his contract.

Now a free agent, Ngannou has the ability to crossover to boxing, which is something the Cameroonian always wanted.

Having called out some of the boxing's biggest stars already, here SunSport runs down five potential opponents for Ngannou.

Tyson Fury

The WBC and UFC champions have long been locked in a verbal feud, with Ngannou claiming there is a '9/10' chance they fight eventually.

Fury, 33, also teased a 'clash of the heavyweight titans' only shortly after calling for a boxing match with 4oz UFC gloves.

Following Ngannou's points win over Gane, Fury posted on Instagram: "If you want to make some real money come see the big GK."

MARKED MAN

'KING HIMSELF'

BABY TALK

TY UP A DEAL

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

In the summer of 2020 Whyte and Ngannou were linked with a sensational two-fight deal, one in the cage and ring.

The pair even recorded a virtual conference call but without UFC president Dana White's knowledge, meaning it was never released.

With Whyte, 33, already opening the door to facing Ngannou in the past, and words having been traded, it sets up the crossover clash nicely.

The American former WBC champ was named by Ngannou as one of the reasons he wanted to lace up the gloves.

Ngannou told TMZ in December: "Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level."

Wilder, 36, is yet to return since his trilogy bout loss to Fury in October but a fight with Ngannou would pit two of the biggest punchers ever.

Unbeaten British contender Joyce, 36, is one of the only heavyweights in the world to truly know the extent of Ngannou's boxing ability.

The pair in 2020 enjoyed some Las Vegas sparring sessions and Joyce was left impressed by the MMA powerhouse.

Secret sparring sessions have long been used to fuel demand for a fight and this could be no different.

The veteran fan-favourite has teased an MMA switch before and is always open to risky but money-making fights.

With his reputation of exciting British supporters, Ngannou could have the prefect ready-made boxing opponent in Chisora.

Chisora has already called out Wilder recently so will have no problem welcoming Ngannou to the ring.