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Former UFC heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou reveals talks are ongoing with Deontay Wilder as his potential next opponent for a  boxing match in Africa.

Francis Ngannou have not been in the ring since his successful UFC heavyweight title defence against Cyril Gane January last year.

Speaking in an interview with ESPN MMA, Francis revealed talks are progressing with Deontay Wilder for a potential fight in Africa.

“My next step has to be boxing,” Ngannou said. “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.

“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. 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.”

The Cameroonian also talked about Jon Jones responding to claims made by UFC president Dana White and the UFC heavyweight Champion that he was scared to face him.

“For three years I tried to fight Jon Jones,” Ngannou said. “I did everything to have that fight. I wanted that fight, but not at any cost.

“There is not a fight on Earth I would back down for. I would go there and whatever happens, happens. It’s the sport. Jon Jones is not the guy. He might be the best fighter ever, but he’s not the guy I’m running away from. Nah. Not him. I would fight Jon Jones twice a month.”

Watch full interview below