Wilder Demands $100M to Fight Ngannou?! What’s REALLY Behind the Delay?

The heavyweight division has seen its fair share of blockbuster fights, but nothing has sparked controversy quite like Deontay Wilder’s demand for a staggering $100 million payday to fight former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.

What was once hyped as a massive crossover showdown between two of the hardest punchers in combat sports has now hit a major roadblock. Is Wilder pricing himself out of the fight? Is there something more behind the delay? Or is this simply a power move to maximize earnings in an era where fighters are chasing the biggest paydays?

Let’s break down what’s really happening, the financial realities behind the fight, and whether we’ll ever see Wilder vs. Ngannou inside the ring.

Wilder’s Shocking $100M Demand—A Tactical Move or a Negotiation Killer?

When rumors of a potential fight between Wilder and Ngannou first surfaced, fans were excited at the prospect of an all-out war between two of the most feared punchers in combat sports.

But then came the shocking revelation—Wilder’s camp reportedly demanded $100 million to take the fight.

For context, even the biggest boxing stars—like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua—have rarely secured paydays that high for a single fight. So why would Wilder, who hasn’t held a world title since 2020, suddenly demand an astronomical sum?

Possible Explanations for Wilder’s High Asking Price

1. He’s Pricing Himself Out of the Fight

   • Some analysts believe Wilder doesn’t actually want to fight Ngannou and is using the massive price tag as an excuse to walk away.
   • Ngannou proved himself a dangerous boxer in his debut against Tyson Fury, and perhaps Wilder sees the risk as too high for anything less than a life-changing payday.

2. Leveraging Saudi Arabian Money

   • Saudi Arabia has been throwing huge money at major boxing events, including Usyk vs. Fury and Joshua’s fights.
   • Wilder could be strategically inflating his price, hoping Saudi investors will step in and meet his demand.

3. Financial Troubles & Career Preservation

   • Wilder’s career has been in limbo since his trilogy with Fury. He’s had just one fight in two years, and reports suggest he may be struggling financially.
   • He could see a fight with Ngannou as a one-time cash grab, knowing it could be one of his last big fights.

4. Ego & Legacy at Stake

   • Wilder still considers himself a top draw in boxing, despite losing twice to Fury. He might believe his name alone warrants an eight-figure payday.
   • However, boxing’s economic landscape has shifted—fighters no longer automatically get massive purses without pay-per-view (PPV) guarantees and strong ticket sales.

Ngannou’s Response: Ready to Fight, But Not at Any Cost

While Wilder is making big financial demands, Francis Ngannou has remained relatively quiet about the situation.

Ngannou shocked the world when he knocked down Tyson Fury and nearly pulled off an upset victory in his boxing debut. That performance alone proved he was a legitimate threat, even against elite-level boxers.

After that fight, the expectation was that Ngannou would either:
Get a rematch with Fury
Face Anthony Joshua
Fight Deontay Wilder in a “Knockout King” showdown

However, with Wilder’s financial demands delaying negotiations, Ngannou is exploring other options.

According to sources, Ngannou is willing to take the fight but not at the cost of unrealistic financial expectations.

What Ngannou Stands to Gain from Fighting Wilder

• A chance to cement himself as a top heavyweight boxer
• Another massive payday (even if not $100M, it would still be one of the highest purses of his career)
• Potential to become one of the biggest crossover stars in combat sports history

However, Ngannou isn’t desperate—he still has options in both boxing and MMA. He can wait if needed.

Is the Fight Still Possible? Breaking Down the Money

Is Wilder Worth $100M?

To justify a $100 million payday, Wilder vs. Ngannou would have to be:✅ A blockbuster PPV event
Have massive global interest
Secure a mega-deal from Saudi Arabia or another wealthy promoter

Estimated Financial Breakdown of the Fight

Based on these estimates, the fight could be profitable—but not at the level where Wilder alone earns $100M.

Most major fights split revenue between both fighters, meaning Wilder would likely earn $30-50 million at best.

If Saudi Arabia steps in, they might be willing to pay big purses, but even they would hesitate to drop $100M on just one fight.

The Real Reason Behind the Delay: More Than Just Money?

While money is the official reason for the delay, there are deeper concerns behind the scenes.

1. Wilder’s Career Uncertainty

   • Wilder hasn’t fought since his loss to Joseph Parker and looks to be at a career crossroads.
   • Some insiders speculate he isn’t sure he wants to continue boxing long-term—hence the demand for a massive payday.

2. Risk vs. Reward

   • A loss to Ngannou would severely damage Wilder’s legacy.
   • With only one win in three years, he can’t afford another high-profile defeat.

3. Saudi Arabia’s Priorities

   • The Saudis are focusing on Fury vs. Usyk and Anthony Joshua’s next opponent.
   • They may not see Wilder vs. Ngannou as a priority right now, delaying negotiations.

Conclusion: Will the Fight Ever Happen?

Despite all the obstacles, Wilder vs. Ngannou remains one of the most exciting potential matchups in boxing.

The demand is there.
The money is possible—but not at Wilder’s asking price.
Both men still want the fight.

However, unless Wilder lowers his demands or a major backer steps in, the fight could be doomed before it even begins.

For now, the delay continues. But with both fighters looking for their next big move, expect more twists and turns in the coming months.