Eddie Hearn has ignited the boxing world's curiosity by expressing his desire to arrange a fight between Anthony Joshua and the widely discussed Francis Ngannou, who recently suffered a narrow loss to Tyson Fury. Critics have been quick to speculate that Hearn’s mention of Ngannou might be a strategic move to keep Joshua in the limelight despite a career that some believe is faltering.
If Hearn’s intentions are genuine and not simply a publicity stunt, a Joshua-Ngannou fight could be enormously lucrative. It would offer Joshua a critical opportunity to reinvigorate his career and set himself up for a possible mega-fight with the winner of the Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout for the undisputed championship.
Hearn’s ambitious vision for Joshua includes defeating a lineup of four heavyweights: Ngannou, Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Usyk. Should Joshua succeed, it would mark one of the most dramatic comebacks in boxing history, especially considering the skepticism surrounding his current form.
“I have to speak to the boss, but I like AJ-Ngannou. For me, light work,” Hearn confidently stated to the Boxing Social YouTube channel. He believes Joshua would have an easy victory over Ngannou, who, despite his inexperience in the boxing ring, has shown he can stand toe-to-toe with the best.
Hearn’s proposal comes amid controversy surrounding Fury’s loss to Ngannou, which some have deemed an embarrassment for Fury and a revelation of his supposedly overhyped career. This potential fight would not only test Joshua's mettle but also contribute to the ongoing debate about the true elite in heavyweight boxing.
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