Deontay Wilder had ‘behind closed doors’ discussions over mega-fight with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou

DEONTAY WILDER held talks behind closed doors over a mega-fight with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

The 36-year-old is making his return to boxing on Saturday against Robert Helenius.

Wilder has welcomed a boxing-UFC crossover fight with NgannouGetty Images – Getty

AFPNgannou has also previously stepped inside the ring with Fury, who teased a mega-fight[/caption]

Wilder was last in action against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, when he lost their trilogy last year.

The Alabama-born heavy hitter is already plotting his comeback beyond this weekend’s tear-up with Helenius.

Wilder says he wants to fight Fury for a fourth time, as well as square off against Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk before retiring and focusing on music.

However, a mega-fight with UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou could also enter the equation with Wilder already holding talks over meeting the Cameroonian inside the squared circle.

Wilder confirmed a fight with Ngannou was discussed as an option with PBC boss Al Haymon behind closed doors.

He told Insider: “It was mentioned to me before, and Al agreed.

“There’s the old saying, ‘If it makes dollars, it makes sense.’ And he agreed as well.”

Wilder welcomes a fight with the UFC star, saying it would certainly cause a stir.

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He added: “I think that would be an intriguing fight, and it would be a fight that would bring a lot of interest.”

The pair met after Wilder took his training to the UFC‘s Performance Institute in Las Vegas.

Ngannou has long craved a boxing career which could earn him a big cash windfall.

The 35-year-old has previously complained about how much he is paid in the UFC.

Ngannou could also face Fury, who brought the UFC star inside the boxing ring in the summer after his win over Dillian Whyte and teased a fight.

Fury said: “Going to be an explosive fight when it happens.”

Ngannou then added: “We’re going to find out who the Baddest Motherf***er on the Planet is?”