19 January 2023 , 15:28
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Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted a crossover fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou would be "fascinating".
Ngannou, 36, is now able to entertain a boxing fight after vacating his UFC heavyweight title and parting ways with the promotion. The Cameroonian was caught up in a contract crisis for two years and became a free agent last month as his old deal expired, with Ngannou losing out on around $7million by turning down new contract offers from the UFC.
Part of Ngannou's decision to leave the UFC was his desire to compete in boxing, specifically targeting fights against top heavyweights such as Joshua and Tyson Fury. Joshua's promoter Hearn was following Ngannou's contract battle very closely and admits he is fascinated by the thought of the ex-UFC star competing in the ring.
“I think AJ is all about the biggest fights and the biggest challenges. I think AJ has got his mind on trying to become a three-time world champion, but a fight against Francis Ngannou... I've been following that whole thing with the UFC with great interest, I think it's fascinating. I think Ngannou is in a great position now to maximise his revenue, probably in the sport of boxing.
Who do you want to see Francis Ngannou fight next following his UFC exit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
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Ngannou was demanding a clause that would allow him to box whilst under UFC contract, also requesting guaranteed healthcare and for a fighter advocate to sit in during meetings with the organisation. The UFC were unable to grant any of his requests, but did offer him a huge $8million payday for a title fight against Jon Jones.
'The Predator' recently outlined his plans to compete in boxing instead of signing with another MMA promotion for his next fight. Hearn thinks that the power of a fighter competing in boxing is greater than the UFC and this is why Ngannou may have clashed with the promotion during his rise to fame.
Francis Ngannou wants to compete in boxing after his UFC exit (Zuffa LLC)"Sometimes a fighter becomes, not bigger than the brand, but in a position where a central contract doesn't work in the same way that it used to with a fighter that say, three years ago, was desperate to sign that contract. I think the power of the fighter is evolving and that contracts sometimes have to change, we made a move ago a few years ago where we gave the fighter control of the show," Hearn added.
" Anthony Joshua, Canelo Alvarez, that guy at the peak level of the sport own the revenue and you work for them. Sometimes that model for a great draw allows them to make a lot of money. I think the power of a fighter in boxing is a lot more common than the power of a fighter in the UFC."