Promotor Anthony Joshua Gives Asa Create Francis Ngannou

Former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou. (Photo: Twitter/@francis_ngannou)

JAKARTA The opportunity for heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua (AJ) to fight former UFC champion Francis Ngannou is starting to open. AJ promoter Eddie Hearn has discussed the possibility of the duel.

Ngannou just left the UFC last week after refusing a contract extension. That's because the compromise related to certain clauses in the contract cannot be fulfilled by the UFC.

"I think the issue of AJ is related to the biggest fight and biggest challenge. I think AJ has a goal to become world champion three times, but the fight against Francis Ngnannou will be very interesting," Hearn said as quoted by The Sun.

Ngannou, 36, has removed the UFC heavyweight title after his big decision. After being released from the promotion, he immediately confirmed his desire to switch to boxing.

Although his name was raised by the UFC, the Cameroon-France fighter dreamed of riding in the boxing ring since childhood. He even mentioned the names of AJ and Tyson Fury as the boxer he wanted to face.

"Whatever it is, if it was with Tyson Fury, I would accept it. Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua will be my first ideal opponent," he said.

Anthony Joshua is currently preparing for a comeback in April. It's just not announced who the boxer he will fight yet.

The two-time world champion has just suffered the third defeat in his professional career against the Ukrainian king, Oleksandr Usyk, last August. He was challenged by Fury, but in the end failed to materialize.