In an interview with The MMA Hour, UK promoter Eddie Hearn says that ex-UFC Champion Francis Ngannou will be no match for pro boxing’s former unified titleholder
The crossover between the world of pro boxing and MMA continues to evolve, as Anthony Joshua is slated to face former UFC standout Francis Ngannou in a 10-round boxing match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, March 8. Already, there are many doubts that the mixed martial artist can defeat Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion in the squared circle.
An Intriguing Boxer Versus Fighter Match-Up
Those doubters include Eddie Hearn, the British promoter of Matchroom Sports, who recently told combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani that he expects Anthony Joshua to knock out the 37-year-old Ngannou.
A former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou has limited boxing experience. But, he did impress many fans and critics when he took WBC World Heavyweight Champ Tyson Fury the distance back in October. The Cameroonian-born brawler would lose that fight by split decision.
Joshua, on the other hand, is a two-time unified world heavyweight champion and sports a career record of 27-3, along with 24 knockouts, in between the ropes. Hearn believes that big fight experience will give the British boxer the advantage to put Ngannou’s lights out.
Hearn Predicts A KO
“Obviously, delighted, just a great fight,” Hearn said Monday on The MMA Hour.
“Everyone’s going to play my previous clips [of me saying] that Francis Ngannou couldn’t win an English title before he fought Tyson Fury. I feel like he’s earned that shot — or certainly to continue at that level.”
“And I fancy the fight,” he continued. “You’ve heard me say before, I really believe AJ knocks him out. But, he’s a dangerous fight. I know that this guy’s a big, big lump that can really punch, and I think he has no fear, which makes him dangerous. But I just feel like AJ’s in a great place, and I expect him to pick him apart and knock him out.”
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