Tag: Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou wants a boxing match following UFC release: “If I have the opportunity to fight all those top guys in boxing, I will take it.”

Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury, Anthony JoshuaFormer UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is interested in a boxing match now that he’s a free agent.  The 36-year old was released from the UFC this past weekend after failed negotiations with the company. Now, he can do whatever he wants, including a stint in boxing.  He was a guest on The MMA Hour, […]

Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is interested in a boxing match now that he’s a free agent. 

The 36-year old was released from the UFC this past weekend after failed negotiations with the company. Now, he can do whatever he wants, including a stint in boxing. 

He was a guest on The MMA Hour, where he spoke about his desire to split his time between boxing and mixed martial arts.

“I want to achieve something in boxing and stay in MMA. I feel like I still have a lot to express, a lot to give to the sport of MMA. I discovered MMA later in my life and I feel like I still have some mileage to give in the sport. In a perfect world, I go out there, get some boxing matches, come back, get some MMA [fights]. Maybe switch again. I don’t know. Depends what will be the challenge out there. I think if I have the opportunity to fight all those top guys in boxing, I will take it.” 

Francis Ngannou Has Not Been Shy About Fighting Boxing’s Elite

Last April, “The Predator” was in the boxing ring with champion Tyson Fury after his win over Dillian Whyte. The two heavyweights have exchanged words on social media surrounding a potential crossover event. 

Ngannou named Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as two potential opponents for his professional boxing debut. When asked about his return to combat sports, Ngannou hopes to fight by the first half of 2023. 

“The latest would be July…at least twice a year. Go right this year,” Ngannou said. “My gut would say boxing… I’m working on it.” 

The Cameroon native revealed that the UFC “didn’t want anything to do with boxing” during negotiations. Now, the current free agent will be able to have discussions with any promotion. 

Anthony Joshua on fighting in the UFC: “I would get my a** kicked.”

Anthony Joshua UFCHeavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has no interest in competing in the UFC. For as long as there have been combat sports, there have been crossover attempts. James Toney was a heavyweight boxer who believed he could compete in MMA. The former heavyweight boxing world champion was quickly stopped by Randy Couture in the first […]

Anthony Joshua UFC

Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has no interest in competing in the UFC. For as long as there have been combat sports, there have been crossover attempts.

James Toney was a heavyweight boxer who believed he could compete in MMA. The former heavyweight boxing world champion was quickly stopped by Randy Couture in the first round. Former WBO heavyweight champion Ray Mercer also attempted to transition into MMA and kickboxing. Mercer managed to defeat former UFC champion Tim Sylvia in MMA but lost both his K-1 Kickboxing bouts.

More recently, boxing great Claressa Shields has been making active attempts to become an MMA fighter. She currently is competing in the PFL while holding boxing world titles. Famously, Conor McGregor competed against all-time great Floyd Mayweather in a money-fight battle. Most recently, the heavyweight boxing king Tyson Fury stood in the ring and challenged UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to a boxing match. These are just a few examples, among many, of fighters competing back and forth between boxing and MMA.

However, the Olympic boxing gold medalist Anthony Joshua is not interested.

Anthony Joshua is not interested in the UFC

The British-born Joshua obtained an Olympic gold medal during his amateur career. Professionally, he put together an impressive record defeating notable fighters such as Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, Andy Ruiz Jr., and Kubrat Pulev, among others. He also held prestigious world titles in the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight gold.

But despite all of his impressive boxing success, he has realistic expectations about his chances in MMA and the UFC. In an interview with GQ, Joshua answered a question about competing in the UFC. Anthony Joshua said:

“I would get my ass kicked. All credit to them guys, but it’s not my profession. And I’m going to respect them guys who have spent years putting in time, training, grappling, wrestling, stand-up, takedown, and submissions. It’s like them coming over to boxing, I know I would smoke them as well.” (H/T TalkSport)

See the full interview below:

Mahmoud Charr reveals agreement is in place for him to fight WBC champion Tyson Fury

Mahmoud CharrAmid continued speculation regarding a potential all-British blockbuster between WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, and former titleholder, Anthony Joshua this December, former WBA heavyweight titleholder, Mahmoud Charr has revealed he has an agreement to share the ring with three Frank Warran promoted boxers – one of which is, in fact, Fury. Mahmoud Charr is a […]

Mahmoud Charr

Amid continued speculation regarding a potential all-British blockbuster between WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, and former titleholder, Anthony Joshua this December, former WBA heavyweight titleholder, Mahmoud Charr has revealed he has an agreement to share the ring with three Frank Warran promoted boxers – one of which is, in fact, Fury.

Mahmoud Charr is a former WBA heavyweight champion

Charr, a former WBA heavyweight champion, won that crown with a November 2017 win over Alexander Ustinov, before making his return back in May with a non-title bout knockout win over Nikola Milacic in Hamburg.

The Lebanon-born heavyweight former champion current boasts a 33-4 professional boxing record, previously challenging for WBC heavyweight spoils against Vitali Klitschko, suffering a fourth round knockout loss in 2012 in a Moscow matchup.

Over the course of the last two weeks, however, speculation has ramped up regarding a potential, long-awaited clash of current WBC champion, Fury, and former champion, Joshua before the end of this year.

Reports detailed how contract offers had been made for a potential Cardiff matchup at the end of this year, however, Fury imposed an un-official deadline of 5pm GMT on Monday of this week for Joshua to sign the deal.

With the imposed d-day come and gone, Fury has claimed Joshua has missed his opportunity to finally share the squared circle with him. 

However, an unlikely candidate to potentially emerge and face Fury is the aforenoted, Mahmoud Charr, who claims he has an agreement to fight the above mentioned, Warran’s heavyweights, including Daniel Dubious, recent winner, Joe Joyce – and even Fury.

“I hope so,” Mahmoud Charr said during an interview with Boxing News. “I am waiting to see if Anthony Joshua responds and signs for that fight. I think if he doesn’t, Tyson Fury has to fight me. I am ready.”

“I have a signed agreement to fight the three (heavyweight) fighters of Frank Warren,” Mahmoud Charr continued. “I have the option to fight these three fighters: Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubious, and Joe Joyce. I am ready to fight any of them but Tyson Fury is the first round I would pick. I want Tyson Fury.”

On his official Instagram stories, Fury added fuel to the proverbial fire on a fight against Charr, labelling the Beirut puncher as a fighter with “desire”.

“Looking forward to fighting a man who wants to fight & has fire & desire,” Tyson Fury posted. “Fought some of the best fighters & now stepping up again! Get in there (Mahmoud) Charr.” 

Anthony Joshua accepts terms for December 3. WBC title fight against Tyson Fury

Anthony JoshuaAnthony Joshua’s management firm has confirmed their client has accepted terms for a December 3. clash with undisputed WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, with the duo now finally expected to share the squared circle before the culmination of 2022. Joshua, who is currently represented by 258 Management as well as the Eddie Hearn-led, Matchroom Boxing, […]

Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua’s management firm has confirmed their client has accepted terms for a December 3. clash with undisputed WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, with the duo now finally expected to share the squared circle before the culmination of 2022.

Joshua, who is currently represented by 258 Management as well as the Eddie Hearn-led, Matchroom Boxing, last featured professionally last month against Oleksandr Usyk, suffering a split decision loss in the pair’s rematch in Saudi Arabia.

As for Fury, the undisputed WBC heavyweight champion successfully retained his championship earlier this year with a stunning one-punch knockout win against Dillian Whyte. In the time since, Fury has maintained he is retired from professional boxing, despite offering to fight the above-mentioned, Usyk in a return to the sport.

Anthony Joshua’s team have confirmed terms have been agreed for a December clash with Tyson Fury

As per Anthony Joshua’s management firm and representatives, their client have accepted terms for a December 3. boxing match against Fury, however, communication had been halted following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last week. 

“Joshua-Fury update:” 258MGT tweeted. “258 and @MatchroomBoxing can confirm, on behalf of @anthonyjoshua, that we accepted all terms presented to us by Fury’s team for a fight Dec 3rd last Friday. Due to the Queen’s passing, it was agreed to halt all communication. We are awaiting a response.” 

In a statement released on Twitter in response to Anthony Joshua’s management, Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, who heads up Queensbury Promotions, confirmed that a contract would be issued in the coming days. “Contract will be with you very soon.”

Without a victory since December 2020, Joshua, 32, most recently stopped Kubrat Pulev with a ninth round knockout win at The SSE Arena in London, before a pair of back-to-back losses to Ukrainian puncher, Usyk. 

Boasting an undefeated 32-0-1 professional record, Fury notably shared the ring with Deontay Wilder on three separate occasions ins the last four years, battling to a split draw, before scoring a pair of seventh and eleventh round knockout wins over the former champion, respectively.

Report – Anthony Joshua accepts offer to fight Tyson Fury for WBC heavyweight title in end-of-year blockbuster

Tyson FuryAccording to his promoter, Matchroom leader, Eddie Hearn, former WBA and WBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has accepted an offer to compete against undisputed WBC heavyweight kingpin, Tyson Fury in a blockbuster end-of-year championship showdown. As per an initial report from boxing journalist, Michael Benson, as per Hearn, Joshua has accepted an offer to compete […]

Tyson Fury

According to his promoter, Matchroom leader, Eddie Hearn, former WBA and WBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has accepted an offer to compete against undisputed WBC heavyweight kingpin, Tyson Fury in a blockbuster end-of-year championship showdown.

As per an initial report from boxing journalist, Michael Benson, as per Hearn, Joshua has accepted an offer to compete against fellow British heavyweight standout, Fury in a long-awaited championship fight before the culmination of the year.

“Anthony Joshua has now accepted Tyson Fury’s 60/40 offer for a WBC heavyweight world title fight, Eddie Hearn has revealed,” Michael Benson tweeted. “He said initial offer was for a November date, but A.J. wants fight on Dec. 17th, which Frank Warren already booked at Principality Stadium. [@IFLTV]” 

“Eddie Hearn has stated that Tyson Fury’s offer to Anthony Joshua includes rematch clause (if Joshua wins) for a second fight at 50/50 (split),” Benson tweeted. “He said A.J. is happy to accept rematch clause if second fight would be 60/40 in his favor. Hearn doesn’t envisage this to be a problem. [@IFLTV]”

Tyson Fury offers Anthony Joshua a title ultimatum

In response to Hearn’s statement regarding a potential fight between Fury and Joshua, the defending WBC heavyweight champion has called for the fight to take place on either November 26. or December 3. – rather than December 17.

“Tyson Fury has now dedicated that he’s not happy with Anthony Joshua’s request for their fight to take place on Dec 17th.,” Benson tweeted. “Fury replied in an Instagram comment: “Nov 26th at Wembley or Dec 3rd in Cardiff. That’s the dates, take or leave.” 

Speaking with TalkSport, Fury doubled down on his wish to secure a fight at the end of November of the beginning of December with Joshua, rather than wait until a week before Christmas. 

“Tyson Fury on the Anthony Joshua fight date:,” Benson tweeted. “I have Nov 26th at Wembley or Dec 3rd [at Principality]. One is 11 weeks, and one is 12 weeks. If a professional athlete who’s shredded all year round can’t get himself in shape in three months, there’s a problem.” 

Floating a potential retirement ever since his April knockout victory over Dillian Whyte to retain his WBC heavyweight crown, Fury has since, however, called for a fight with WBA heavyweight kingpin, Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainian’s second career win over Joshua last month in Saudi Arabia.

Coach Robert Garcia believes Anthony Joshua was mentally defeated by Oleksandr Usyk

Robert GarciaAnthony Joshua’s coach, Robert Garcia, believes that AJ lost the mental battle before losing the fight to Usyk. On August 22nd, Anthony Joshua was given a chance to reclaim his glory, after Usyk got the best of him in their first match last September. Although this fight was closer than the original, Usyk would take […]

Robert Garcia

Anthony Joshua’s coach, Robert Garcia, believes that AJ lost the mental battle before losing the fight to Usyk.

On August 22nd, Anthony Joshua was given a chance to reclaim his glory, after Usyk got the best of him in their first match last September. Although this fight was closer than the original, Usyk would take home a split decision victory, where he won 116-112, 115-113, and 113-115.

Robert Garcia believes round 10 was the turning point in the fight.

“Joshua was mentally defeated since round 10 or 11. Round 10 was a big one for Usyk. That changed the whole fight, and mentally we were defeated.” (H/T IZQUIERDAZO).

Robert Garcia believed ‘One Big Shot’ was all AJ had left in him

In the first fight, Usyk dominated from the get-go, causing AJ to play catch up, which he managed to do in the middle rounds before Usyk regained control of the fight. In order to avoid this repeat situation, Joshua changed camps, hiring the famed boxing coach, Robert Garcia, as his new head trainer.

This move seemed for the better as Joshua came into the fight in the best shape of his life and was competitive with Usyk right away. However, despite Garcia’s urging, AJ didn’t firmly establish control until about round 9, which was a big round for Joshua. However, in the very next round, Usyk showed his champion heart, rallying back and taking back control of the fight from AJ, who seemed to be getting tired.

From that point on, Robert Garcia believed that all AJ had left in him was a big power strike.

“At that point, we were relying on a good shot or something like that, because Anthony is a hard puncher, and one shot can change a fight.”

Perhaps Garcia is on to something when he says that Usyk defeated him mentally, despite how harsh that sounds. As after the fight results were announced, AJ had one of the most bizarre post-fight speeches, where it looked as if he was on the verge of a breakdown while attempting to save face and give Usyk his props.