Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn opens door to ‘fascinating’ fight with Francis Ngannou after MMA star’s UFC exit

EDDIE HEARN has opened the door to a “fascinating” fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou is free to make a switch to boxing after walking out on the UFC while champion after failing to agree a new contract.

PAEddie Hearn opened the door to a ‘fascinating’ fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou[/caption]

GettyFrancis Ngannou has left the UFC[/caption]

The Cameroonian called out Joshua, 33, and Tyson Fury, 34, with the prospect talked up by promoter Hearn.

He told DAZN: “I think AJ is all about the biggest fights and the biggest challenges.

“I think AJ has got his mind on becoming a three-time world champion, but a fight against Francis Ngnannou is fascinating.”

Ngannou, 36, has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and confirmed he is eyeing a move into boxing.

He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.

“I discovered MMA first in my life and I feel like I have some mileage to give in my sport.

“In a perfect world, I go out there get some boxing match then get some MMA, depending on the challenges that are out there.

“If they are out there, I want to fight the top guys in boxing. I don’t know, I think Fury has retired and come back.

“I don’t know where Fury is right now, but now it is time. Before, we could not do anything concrete beyond the social media stuff.

“Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.

“Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”

Francis Ngannou pictured with UFC president Dana WhiteGetty