Joshua Shows No Interest in Bout with Ngannou
Former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has conveyed to promoter Eddie Hearn that he has no inclination to engage in a bout with the emerging fighter, Francis Ngannou. Joshua is fully focused on regaining his status as a world champion.
During discussions regarding a potentially lucrative crossover match, the British-Nigerian made it clear to Hearn that he had no interest in taking on the former UFC heavyweight champion. This decision was reached despite the substantial financial incentives associated with such a matchup.
According to Hearn, when the possibility was raised, Joshua had no intention of pursuing it, as his primary goal remains the pursuit of heavyweight glory.
Hearn revealed that during their conversations, Joshua made it unequivocally clear that he had "absolutely no interest at all" in the proposed fight. He further emphasized, "I aspire to regain the heavyweight world championship; I have no desire to face Francis Ngannou."
In the past, Hearn had contemplated reaching out to Ngannou's team and had considered recommending the fight to Joshua without hesitation.
"Francis Ngannou approached me, and we had a highly productive meeting, and he has an incredible story," Hearn remarked.
"He approached me because he expressed a desire to face Anthony Joshua. I immediately reached out to AJ, but I must emphasize that Anthony Joshua is not a reigning world champion and hasn't had a shot at the world championship."
However, the boxer from Watford firmly rejected any further discussions and is currently engrossed in negotiations with Deontay Wilder for a high-stakes bout slated for January or February 2024.
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury narrowly averted what could have been one of the most significant upsets in boxing history during his clash with Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fury secured a contentious split decision victory over the former Ngannou in a thrilling 'Battle of the Baddest' bout on October 28.
Leave A Comment