Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has revealed he is open to fighting Anthony Joshua in a boxing ring in a recent interview after his debut against Tyson Fury in October.
Ngannou made his professional boxing debut against the WBC heavyweight champion and almost pulled off the biggest upset in history. He seriously impressed the boxing community and, despite losing by a controversial split decision, there was no doubt that he could have a promising future in the sport. It’s worth remembering that he did in fact drop Fury in the third round, something that a lot of experienced boxers have failed to do.
Francis Ngannou on Anthony Joshua’s KO claim
“Even Tyson Fury said the same thing and Tyson Fury is better than Anthony Joshua, so what do I care about what people say?” he responded. He also had his doubts over whether AJ really meant what he said and whether the Brit could really pull off a knockout.
“I’ve been in this game so long. I’ve seen so much. I’ve heard what people intend to do. There’s a difference between wanting to do and being able to do,” he said.
Ngannou is also confident that it doesn’t matter if it’s in the ring or the Octagon, he can take Joshua on in any sport. “The good thing is I’m the one that can go anywhere comfortably,” he said. “My comfort zone will be the Octagon, but I’m going to the ring, and I’m putting them in a bad spot in the ring.”
Eddie Hearn has interest in Ngannou vs Joshua
The interest isn’t one-sided either, as Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has said that he is willing to consider the fight after Joshua’s victory against Robert Helenius back in August.