AJ vs Ngannou next” – Famed MMA journalist calls for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou in 2024 after Day of Reckoning performance

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou remains an exciting matchup. Following Joshua's dominant performance against Otto Wallin, it could happen sooner rather than later.

AJ vs Ngannou next” – Famed MMA journalist calls for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou in 2024 after Day of Reckoning performance

Ariel Helwani calls for a bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou after Joshua's dominant performance against Otto Wallin (via YouTube/ New York Times/ ESPN India)

Ariel Helwani, a well-known MMA journalist, has sparked a firestorm of interest in the combat sports industry. He has strongly advocated for a fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou in 2024. Helwani’s enthusiasm originates from his amazing performance at the Day of Reckoning event when he demolished Otto Wallin in a fifth-round knockout. Joshua displayed a level of ability and intensity lacking in his prior fights.

Helwani said in a tweet that instantly went viral. He warmly welcomed the notion of a fight between Joshua and Ngannou. Ngannou had a great boxing debut against Tyson Fury. He has attracted global attention and added another level of excitement to the possible battle. This is what Helwani tweeted:

Best AJ looked in some time. That was great stuff. AJ x Ngannou next. Cmooooon!
Ariel Helwani via X
YouTube video

Helwani’s request for the Joshua-Ngannou fight underscores the changing environment of combat sports, where crossover battles between MMA and boxing stars have grown in popularity. Despite a contentious split decision loss, Ngannou’s performance against Fury displayed his boxing prowess and confirmed his place as a big player in both MMA and boxing.

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Ariel Helwani’s support lends credibility to the proposal. He is well-known in the combat sports community for his profound observations and impact. The possible fight between Anthony Joshua, a two-time former unified heavyweight champion in boxing, and Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, promises to be a spectacle.

Eddie Hearn calls for Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn, the promoter and manager of Anthony Joshua’s career, has lobbied for a thrilling clash between Joshua and Ngannou. This was following Ngannou’s outstanding performance against Tyson Fury. Hearn expressed his excitement for this high-profile clash on The MMA Hour.

Eddie Hearn is interested in a potential fight between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua
Eddie Hearn is interested in a potential fight between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua (via The Independent/ Sporting News)

Recognising Ngannou’s performance against Fury, Hearn highlighted the Cameroonian’s credibility. He emphasized the significance of the possible fight. Hearn offered the idea to Joshua many months ago after a meeting with Ngannou. He was hesitant then, citing a preference for a direct chase of the world heavyweight championship. However, times have changed, and a matchup against Ngannou remains on the card.

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Hearn’s position has subsequently shifted. He now sees the encounter between Ngannou and Joshua as a remarkable event with the potential to make history. Hearn’s certainty about the size of the fight and its likely location in Africa adds an added dimension of intrigue. Only time will tell if these fighters compete against each other.

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