Eddie Hearn, the promoter for former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, expressed a keen interest in setting up a fight with MMA powerhouse Francis Ngannou. Following Ngannou's intense clash with Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing bout, where Ngannou notably rocked the undefeated boxer, talks of a potential Ngannou-Joshua showdown surfaced. In their October showdown, Ngannou's professional boxing debut startled many as he dropped Fury in the third round and gave the champion a challenging run throughout the fight. Despite Fury clinching a close split decision win, the performance showcased Ngannou's boxing potential. Hearn confirmed reaching out to Ngannou's team, expressing willingness to discuss the Ngannou vs. Joshua bout. However, there was no response from Ngannou's camp, leaving the potential crossover fight in limbo. Hearn speculates that Ngannou might be on hold for a rematch with Fury, possibly putting any potential match against Joshua on the backburner. Fury, scheduled to face undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk in February, has hinted at Ngannou's probable course. He anticipates Ngannou might opt for fights with non-star heavyweights before locking horns with Fury again, likely towards the end of 2024. This strategy, Fury suggests, would ensure Ngannou maximizes his earning potential, aiming for significant bouts with top-tier boxers like Fury, Joshua, or Deontay Wilder. The conversation surrounding a potential Ngannou-Joshua matchup seems to have stalled, possibly directing Ngannou's focus toward his immediate future in the sport, including potential fights outside the top-tier boxing arena. The missed opportunity between Joshua and Ngannou leaves the door open for speculation about the future landscape of heavyweight boxing. #EddieHearn #FrancisNgannou #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingCrossover #AnthonyJoshua