Anthony Joshua could fight Francis Ngannou, Hearn says
Anthony Joshua could fight MMA star Francis Ngannou in a boxing match, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Ngannou almost stunned WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut, losing on a controversial split decision in Saudi Arabia.
Hearn revealed he has exchanged messages with the Cameroonian fighter’s camp following that bout.
“As we start to plan AJ’s next six to 12 months we just want to know if that is an option,” Hearn told the BBC.
“We could have that event in Saudi Arabia or other countries in the Middle East. Africa sounds incredible – can they come up with the money to do it? I don’t know.
“All of a sudden that fight between two giants, they’re carved out of stone, it becomes a massive fight. We’re definitely willing to consider it.”
Despite being the underdog, former UFC fighter Ngannou, 37, knocked down Fury in the third round and convinced one of the judges he was the winner.
“The MMA world believe Ngannou beats everyone,” Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“When I met Ngannou he was trying to pitch me AJ against Ngannou in Africa. I spoke to AJ about it at the time and he said ‘I want to try to win the world heavyweight championship now’.
“I said ‘this guy was close to beating Tyson Fury so he surely has to be a credible fight’. The MMA world are telling me Ngannou beats AJ easily. I’m like ‘please make the fight because that’s not the case’.”
