Famed British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has been in contact with Francis Ngannou regarding a potential clash with former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
‘The Predator’ finds himself as one of the most in-demand fighters in combat sports following his incredible professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. Going into the contest as a +750 underdog, Ngannou delivered a jaw-dropping performance that saw him bloody his opponent and even sent ‘The Gypsy King’ crashing to the canvas in the third round with a well-placed counter-left.
Eddie Hearn on Francis Ngannou: It's the most remarkable, remarkable performance and event inside a ring that anyone has ever seen.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/XsjTmBtoba
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 30, 2023
Initially thought to be a one-off boxing bout, Ngannou now finds himself as the next big thing in the sweet science with some of the division’s top stars chomping at the big to share the ring with him.
In an interview with Boxing Social, Eddie Hearn revealed that Anthony Joshua has changed his tune about fighting Ngannou after initially dismissing the possibility.
“I have not spoken to [Anthony Joshua] about the Ngannou fight. The last time I spoke to him, he wasn’t interested because he didn’t think he was credible. He remains focused on the world heavyweight championship. Ngannou beating Tyson Fury makes him very credible. So you can’t in one sentence say Ngannou’s this new force in the heavyweight division and then he does that to Tyson Fury and he’s not credible.
“I like the fight because I think AJ wins comfortably. So if they’re interested in that fight, my advice to Anthony Joshua would be to consider that fight.”
Eddie Hearn Implores Ngannou to Accept the Fight with AJ Sooner Rather Than Later
Francis Ngannou has been in talks with multiple heavyweight boxing standouts, including three-time Tyson Fury foe Deontay Wilder. Bouts against Joe Joyce and even a rematch with ‘The Gypsy King’ have all been discussed, but Hearn believes if ‘The Predator’ is serious about stepping in the ring with Anthony Joshua, he needs to get the ball rolling right now.
“I actually messaged Ngannou’s team yesterday telling them if you’re serious about that fight, let’s discuss it because we’re planning AJ’s next 6-12 months,” Hearn added. “If they’re interested in the Anthony Joshua fight, they should start those conversations now.”
Ngannou is also expected to make his PFL debut sometime in 2024, though his incredible success in boxing may delay those plans until later in the year.
Watch the full interview below:
