FRANCIS NGANNOU has called out Anthony Joshua as he looks ahead to more boxing fights after facing Tyson Fury.
The ex-UFC champion makes his ring debut on Saturday in Saudi Arabia against Fury.
GettyAnthony Joshua has been called out by Francis Ngannou[/caption]
GettyNgannou ahead of his fight with Tyson Fury[/caption]
Ngannou walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing and held talks to fight Deontay Wilder, 38, and Joshua, 34.
Both remain possible in the future as the Cameroonian looks set for a stint in boxing having predicted he will beat Fury then face him against in a rematch.
Ngannou told Sky Sports: “I think if I am victorious we are going to run it back, for sure. Then maybe see Anthony Joshua after.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn met with the MMA star to discuss a potential bout with AJ.
But Ngannou, 37, instead chose to finalise a deal with WBC champ Fury, 35.
Now Hearn has talked down the crossover clash, which may KO any shot of Joshua facing the boxing newcomer.
He told Boxing Social: “If it’s fought at any kind of pace, I don’t feel like Francis Ngannou can physically do more than four, five rounds.
“I don’t mean that disrespectfully. They’re not used to that kind of fighting. I know MMA is still high intensity, but trust me, you’ll see.
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“Fury may play with him and just hold him up. If Fury wants to, he’ll stop him in the first round, no problem.
“If not, he’ll school him, get him to gas out and stop him on his feet.”
Hearn added: “He can’t win a round. He can’t hurt him.
“He could actually put his chin out and let Ngannou hit him clean and it wouldn’t bother him, honestly. They’re not strikers like boxers.”
ReutersFury facing off with Ngannou[/caption]