Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has announced his interest in arranging a fight between former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou recently became a free agent in the world of combat sports after failing to renew his contract with the UFC and is expected to transition to boxing.
The 36-year-old has been linked with a number of big names in boxing, including WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and Hearn is looking to secure a fight with Joshua.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Hearn spoke highly of Ngannou, praising the Cameroonian’s achievements and attitude.
Hearn expressed his admiration for Ngannou and his willingness to explore the “rocky” world of boxing.
He sees Ngannou’s transition to boxing as an opportunity to earn the money he feels he deserves, but admits it will be difficult to take on Joshua or Fury in their boxing debuts.
Hearn believes the unknown factors in the fight between Ngannou and Joshua make it one of the biggest fights to happen in any sport.
“I think he should fight Joshua. These guys have a mountain to climb in terms of challenges against elite boxers, but they have to go through the process of two or three fights – one fight you might look bad because you’re learning, so the value is really unknown. ,” said Hearn.
“What happens when two titans of the fighting sports world collide? UFC heavyweight world champion Ngannou and two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Joshua. The complete unknown.
“Don’t know how Ngannou? We know he punches a lot, if he lands one on Joshua, what’s the most annoying thing of all time? Or will AJ finish steamrolling people and you will see Ngannou asking to be knocked out? That’s the attraction of that fight, no understood.
“So for me, if I’m representing Ngannou, I want to make sure that this next step, I maximize every dollar that’s in there.”