Tag: Anthony Joshua

Magomed Ankalaev Reacts To Alex Pereira’s Interaction With Anthony Joshua: ‘One More UFC Champion Wants To Run To Boxing’ 

After Alex Pereira caught the attention of boxing great Anthony Joshua to spark talk of a venture to the ring, Magomed Ankalaev has reminded the UFC light heavyweight champion of his presence. Pereira has risen to stardom on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in less than three years, capturing both the 185 and 205-pound titles […]

Continue Reading Magomed Ankalaev Reacts To Alex Pereira’s Interaction With Anthony Joshua: ‘One More UFC Champion Wants To Run To Boxing’  at MMA News.

After Alex Pereira caught the attention of boxing great Anthony Joshua to spark talk of a venture to the ring, Magomed Ankalaev has reminded the UFC light heavyweight champion of his presence.

Pereira has risen to stardom on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in less than three years, capturing both the 185 and 205-pound titles and delivering some brutal knockouts in the process.

“Poatan” currently reigns on the heavier of those two thrones, a position he cemented last weekend in the UFC 303 main event by adding a knockout win over Ji?í Procházka to his résumé for the second time.

In the aftermath, many have suggested that Pereira’s success and prominence has transcended MMA. At the very least, he’s captured intrigue from the boxing world, with Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, recently backing the former two-weight Glory Kickboxing champ for yet another sporting switch.

“AJ’s” suggestion came on X, where Pereira was quick to respond. The light heavyweight kingpin admitted that a boxing move has always been his “dream,” and he asked the British star for opponent recommendations.

“I’m honored you think so. It’s always been my dream, I’m 37 I cannot make a career in it so who do you recommend I fight?”

That interaction didn’t make for good reading for the man seemingly waiting in the wings for “Poatan” in MMA…

Ankalaev Unimpressed By Pereira Entertaining Boxing Talk

Magomed Ankalaev has staked his claim for a shot at Pereira’s belt ever since opening his 2024 campaign with a vicious knockout of Johnny Walker at the Apex.

And the Russian was quick to reiterate his perceived number one contender status in the moments after the champ’s International Fight Week success in Las Vegas on June 29.

With patience not part of his approach to securing another title chance, Ankalaev has since remained active on social media, mostly vowing to stop Pereira on the feet.

In one of his latest posts, the Russian took aim at Pereira for entertaining talk of a boxing switch.

“@AlexPereiraUFC One more Ufc champion want to run to boxing because he knows he’s going to lose his belt next,” Ankalaev wrote.

In another tweet, Ankalaev once again promised to shock the community by knocking Pereira out. He also insisted that the Brazilian has no need for a boxing switch until he’s faced his toughest test inside the cage.

“Me vs you I’m knocking you out the first round You don’t need boxing you need your biggest challenge in your life @danawhite @Mickmaynard2”

Continue Reading Magomed Ankalaev Reacts To Alex Pereira’s Interaction With Anthony Joshua: ‘One More UFC Champion Wants To Run To Boxing’  at MMA News.

UFC star Alex Pereira shuts down ‘Dream’ boxing fight despite encouragement from Anthony Joshua

Alex Pereira shuts down dream boxing fight despite encouragement from Anthony JoshuaDespite receiving encouragement overnight from former two-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua to make a move to boxing, former…

Alex Pereira shuts down dream boxing fight despite encouragement from Anthony Joshua

Despite receiving encouragement overnight from former two-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua to make a move to boxing, former two-weight UFC champion, Alex Pereira claims he is likely too old to make a transition to the sport, revealing it was his “dream” to compete in the sport.

Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight champion and the current light heavyweight champion, returned to action just last weekend in the main event of UFC 303 – headlining the International Fight Week card on short-notice.

Alex Pereira calls for UFC 305 return in August after huge win at UFC 303 this guy is crazy

And retaining his 205lbs title for the second time consecutively, Sao Paulo knockout artist, Pereira laid definitive waste to Jiri Prochazka, finishing the Czech Republic striker with a massive second round high-kick knockout win in Las Vegas.

Manager picks surprise rematch for Alex Pereira after UFC 303 win that's underwhelming

Receiving massive props and acclaim from his fellow fighters and pundits like for his victory against Prochazka – that vein continued overnight for the Brazilian, who was encouraged to try his hand at professional boxing, by none other than British heavyweight star, Joshua.

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“Alex Pereira should make a boxing debut one day,” Anthony Joshua posted on his official X account overnight. 

And replying to the Watford native’s comments, Pereira pointed to his age, but admitted a potential move to professional boxing would be a “dream” come true for him.

Alex Pereira unsure of professional boxing debut

“I’m honored you think so,” Alex Pereira replied. “It’s always been my dream, I’m 37 I cannot make a career in it so who do you recommend I fight?”

Linked with a slew of fights in his return to the Octagon following his stunning knockout win over Prochazka, Pereira has entertained a heavyweight move, while his manager also stressed his desire to see his client rematch former light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz in his next outing in the promotion. 

Would you like to see Alex Pereira make a move to boxing in the future?

Demetrious Johnson echoes claims Anthony Joshua could beat Francis Ngannou in MMA: ‘It’s an easy fight’

Demetrious Johnson Anthony Joshua Francis NgannouDemetrious Johnson once said that he believes Anthony Joshua could beat Francis Ngannou in an MMA fight and is…

Demetrious Johnson Anthony Joshua Francis Ngannou

Demetrious Johnson once said that he believes Anthony Joshua could beat Francis Ngannou in an MMA fight and is standing by his statement.

Just a few months ago, Joshua and Ngannou went toe to toe in a boxing match at an event called “Knockout Chaos”. Things went pretty badly for the former UFC heavyweight champion, as Joshua would make easy work of him and put him away in the second round with a vicious overhand right.

Ngannou’s performance inspired some controversial takes, and Demetrious Johnson made waves when he claimed that he could see ‘AJ’ defeating the former UFC star inside the octagon. Now, in a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Johnson is sticking by his opinion and breaking it down for the media and fans alike.

Demetrious Johnson defends his Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou take

“It’s not like Francis is some world-class kickboxer,” Johnson told Ariel Helwani. “You look at all Francis fights; he does have some submission wins, he does have somewhere he takes somebody down.”

“But if I can take a guy like Anthony Joshua, who is an athletic specimen, who understands range and distance, and I train him for six months — six months — to defend a takedown, check the leg kick, and just box. You’re not going to have 16-ounce gloves. The distance doesn’t change at all. … So if I can take somebody who is athletic, which Anthony Joshua is athletic, it’s an easy fight.”

According to Demetrious Johnson, Joshua’s advantage is due to the stylistic matchup between the two men. Johnson feels that Ngannou doesn’t have the style to pose an impossible challenge to ‘AJ’, and other heavyweights definitely do have a style that would present major issues to the boxing phenom.

Demetrious Johnson still unsure on retirement from MMA I have to be passionate UFC
Mandatory Credit: ONE Championship

“Now, here’s the flip side: How would it go against Anthony Joshua vs. Jon Jones? Different animal,” Johnson said. “Jon Jones would go out there and force the clinch. He would go out there and force the wrestling exchange. Maybe Francis Ngannou would do that, but I don’t think Francis would do that. From the years I’ve seen him fight, that’s how I view that fight. I’m not saying Francis is going to get destroyed, but I do believe [Joshua] has a chance of beating him because he just knocked him the f*ck out in a boxing match!”

“Francis has been very successful in the boxing world in MMA,” Demetrious Johnson continued. “He boxes people. When he beat Stipe Miocic, yes, he threw some leg kicks. That’s very easy to manage. It’s not like an Edson Barboza legkick. But he and Stipe were going back and forth. Stipe actually rocked him.”

“I would go on to say Anthony Joshua is a better boxer than Stipe Miocic. Not a better MMA guy, but in mixed martial arts, I say it all the time: MMA is the easiest sport to become a world champion in. It truly is. you have people who are very good at one thing and have so many holes and deficiencies in their game.”

Francis Ngannou’s coach weighs in on the Demetrious Johnson take

Francis Ngannou’s own coach, Eric Nicksick, wasn’t even very optimistic about the thought of an MMA bout between his star pupil and Anthony Joshua. Nicksick actually agreed with much of Johnson’s sentiments about the situation and even lent his own analysis.

“There were things I think we needed to do better,” Nicksick said. “So if this was an MMA fight, what did we see anecdotally that would have changed that same outcome if it was in MMA? We would have gotten slept, whether it was four-ounce gloves or not.”

demetrious johnson 3

“So it tells me we have to show the element of level change, we have to kick the lead leg out, we have to do other things to keep the distance, cut the cage off, and then blast-double that motherf*cker and put him on his back. Then it’s in our realm. So what [Johnson is] saying is absolutely true.”

What do you think of Demetrious Johnson’s opinion about how an MMA fight would play out between Ngannou and Joshua?

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after brutal KO loss to Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not sure he’s come around yet’

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after KO loss against Anthony Joshua I don't think he's come around yetEddie Hearn has responded to Francis Ngannou as the former UFC heavyweight champ says he was tricked ahead of…

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after KO loss against Anthony Joshua I don't think he's come around yet

Eddie Hearn has responded to Francis Ngannou as the former UFC heavyweight champ says he was tricked ahead of the Anthony Joshua fight.

Ngannou had his second boxing fight against Joshua after he fought Tyson Fury to a split decision loss. Yet, against Joshua, he suffered a second-round knockout loss as he was dominated by the Brit and was dropped three times, with the third being the knockout blow.

Francis Ngannou reveals myster warm up issue ahead of Anthony Joshua I kept falling asleep
Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

On Monday, Ngannou says he felt tricked as he says he had to get to the venue much earlier than Joshua which impacted him as he says he was tired by the time he fought.

“Listen, we both fought at 3am. What I think happened is that they get me to the arena very early. Like my pickup time was 10.30pm to go to the arena. And then when we get to the arena, they tell us that we are scheduled around 1:45am right? They come to the locker around 1am and Joshua [was just arriving around 1]. I’m like, ‘OK, we are fighting at the same time, how come I have a pickup time?’”

“We received a schedule, an email, and then for some reason I was there at least one hour before. But for the fight, at least two hours beforehand. They do this kind of trick to get you tired. I was like cool, I was like, ‘Bro, it’s okay.’ I didn’t know how important that was, until the fight day that I had to get there two hours before,” Ngannou said to Ariel Helwani (via TalkSPORT).

Eddie Hearn refuses to discuss Conor McGregor after Katie Taylor win I don't represent him
Mandatory Credit: James Chance

Following Ngannou’s comments, Eddie Hearn responded to those comments in a simple Instagram comment:

“I’m not sure he has come round yet,” Hearn wrote.

Although Francis Ngannou thinks he was tricked, Anthony Joshua did dominate the fight from start to finish and he showed the difference in levels between the two.

Francis Ngannou Still Open To Another Boxing Match

After Francis Ngannou’s loss to Anthony Joshua, many wondered if ‘The Predator’ would box again.

Ngannou is now 0-2 as a boxer, but he fought two of the top heavyweights alive. Although the focus will likely turn to MMA and fighting for PFL, Ngannou says he does have an interest in boxing again, and mentions the rematch with Tyson Fury as a possibility.

aj ngannou08032024 1qhm9iey2y5yb1gh0oqgzs7w83

But, for now, it seems likely that Ngannou’s next fight will be in the PFL against Renan Ferreira who knocked out Ryan Bader.

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after brutal KO loss to Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not sure he’s come around yet’

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after KO loss against Anthony Joshua I don't think he's come around yetEddie Hearn has responded to Francis Ngannou as the former UFC heavyweight champ says he was tricked ahead of…

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after KO loss against Anthony Joshua I don't think he's come around yet

Eddie Hearn has responded to Francis Ngannou as the former UFC heavyweight champ says he was tricked ahead of the Anthony Joshua fight.

Ngannou had his second boxing fight against Joshua after he fought Tyson Fury to a split decision loss. Yet, against Joshua, he suffered a second-round knockout loss as he was dominated by the Brit and was dropped three times, with the third being the knockout blow.

Francis Ngannou reveals myster warm up issue ahead of Anthony Joshua I kept falling asleep
Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

On Monday, Ngannou says he felt tricked as he says he had to get to the venue much earlier than Joshua which impacted him as he says he was tired by the time he fought.

“Listen, we both fought at 3am. What I think happened is that they get me to the arena very early. Like my pickup time was 10.30pm to go to the arena. And then when we get to the arena, they tell us that we are scheduled around 1:45am right? They come to the locker around 1am and Joshua [was just arriving around 1]. I’m like, ‘OK, we are fighting at the same time, how come I have a pickup time?’”

“We received a schedule, an email, and then for some reason I was there at least one hour before. But for the fight, at least two hours beforehand. They do this kind of trick to get you tired. I was like cool, I was like, ‘Bro, it’s okay.’ I didn’t know how important that was, until the fight day that I had to get there two hours before,” Ngannou said to Ariel Helwani (via TalkSPORT).

Eddie Hearn refuses to discuss Conor McGregor after Katie Taylor win I don't represent him
Mandatory Credit: James Chance

Following Ngannou’s comments, Eddie Hearn responded to those comments in a simple Instagram comment:

“I’m not sure he has come round yet,” Hearn wrote.

Although Francis Ngannou thinks he was tricked, Anthony Joshua did dominate the fight from start to finish and he showed the difference in levels between the two.

Francis Ngannou Still Open To Another Boxing Match

After Francis Ngannou’s loss to Anthony Joshua, many wondered if ‘The Predator’ would box again.

Ngannou is now 0-2 as a boxer, but he fought two of the top heavyweights alive. Although the focus will likely turn to MMA and fighting for PFL, Ngannou says he does have an interest in boxing again, and mentions the rematch with Tyson Fury as a possibility.

aj ngannou08032024 1qhm9iey2y5yb1gh0oqgzs7w83

But, for now, it seems likely that Ngannou’s next fight will be in the PFL against Renan Ferreira who knocked out Ryan Bader.

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after brutal KO loss to Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not sure he’s come around yet’

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after KO loss against Anthony Joshua I don't think he's come around yetEddie Hearn has responded to Francis Ngannou as the former UFC heavyweight champ says he was tricked ahead of…

Eddie Hearn pokes fun at Francis Ngannou after KO loss against Anthony Joshua I don't think he's come around yet

Eddie Hearn has responded to Francis Ngannou as the former UFC heavyweight champ says he was tricked ahead of the Anthony Joshua fight.

Ngannou had his second boxing fight against Joshua after he fought Tyson Fury to a split decision loss. Yet, against Joshua, he suffered a second-round knockout loss as he was dominated by the Brit and was dropped three times, with the third being the knockout blow.

Francis Ngannou reveals myster warm up issue ahead of Anthony Joshua I kept falling asleep
Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

On Monday, Ngannou says he felt tricked as he says he had to get to the venue much earlier than Joshua which impacted him as he says he was tired by the time he fought.

“Listen, we both fought at 3am. What I think happened is that they get me to the arena very early. Like my pickup time was 10.30pm to go to the arena. And then when we get to the arena, they tell us that we are scheduled around 1:45am right? They come to the locker around 1am and Joshua [was just arriving around 1]. I’m like, ‘OK, we are fighting at the same time, how come I have a pickup time?’”

“We received a schedule, an email, and then for some reason I was there at least one hour before. But for the fight, at least two hours beforehand. They do this kind of trick to get you tired. I was like cool, I was like, ‘Bro, it’s okay.’ I didn’t know how important that was, until the fight day that I had to get there two hours before,” Ngannou said to Ariel Helwani (via TalkSPORT).

Eddie Hearn refuses to discuss Conor McGregor after Katie Taylor win I don't represent him
Mandatory Credit: James Chance

Following Ngannou’s comments, Eddie Hearn responded to those comments in a simple Instagram comment:

“I’m not sure he has come round yet,” Hearn wrote.

Although Francis Ngannou thinks he was tricked, Anthony Joshua did dominate the fight from start to finish and he showed the difference in levels between the two.

Francis Ngannou Still Open To Another Boxing Match

After Francis Ngannou’s loss to Anthony Joshua, many wondered if ‘The Predator’ would box again.

Ngannou is now 0-2 as a boxer, but he fought two of the top heavyweights alive. Although the focus will likely turn to MMA and fighting for PFL, Ngannou says he does have an interest in boxing again, and mentions the rematch with Tyson Fury as a possibility.

aj ngannou08032024 1qhm9iey2y5yb1gh0oqgzs7w83

But, for now, it seems likely that Ngannou’s next fight will be in the PFL against Renan Ferreira who knocked out Ryan Bader.