Two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua could fight Francis Ngannou in the “Rumble in the Jungle 2”, Eddie Hearn has revealed.
Ngannou only made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury on Saturday night.
However, the former UFC champion shocked fans as he knocked down the WBC belt holder on his way to a controversial split decision loss.
Reflecting on Ngannou’s performance, Hearn told talkSPORT: “I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua becomes a huge fight…
“If I’m Francis Ngannou, I’m looking at it saying give me the biggest fight possible and that’s two fights, it’s Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.
“They’re the two massive fights for Ngannou, two huge men. But, we’ll see, I can’t even believe we’re talking about this.”
Joshua is currently without a fight booked after talks to face Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia in January collapsed.
Whilst both camps are said to be looking into a new location, Hearn has tipped a clash with Ngannou in the coming months.
“AJ wants to fight in December or January,” added the Matchroom Boxing chief. “We have also spoken very briefly to the Ngannou camp to say we’d be willing to look at that fight.
“I love that fight in Africa, the ‘Rumble in the Jungle 2’ out there would be incredible between two heavyweight giants.
“But, AJ wants to win the world heavyweight title, that’s the main focus, so whatever route will get him there the quickest, that’s what he wants to do.”
Joshua has not fought since his knockout win over Robert Helenius in August.
Meanwhile, Ngannou has also been tipped for a potential bout with Wilder.
There have even been claims the two could meet in either an MMA or mixed rules bout.
Ngannou has a “super fight” deal in place with the PFL following his UFC exit, opening the door for the promotion to host a fight with former WBC champion Wilder.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
