It has massive crossover appeal if marketed properly. Hearn needs to get there first before Fury/Warren capitalise on it and take the bag. DAZN needs the cash injection and Francis is just looking for a decent payday.
I'd rather this than Ngannou getting a title shot against Fury in his first boxing match. Although AJ's brand would suffer even more if Ngannou was somehow able to chin him, but I don't know how likely that is. I don't watch MMA so I don't know much about him, but going from what other people have said and a few clips, it seems like his style would translate pretty poorly to boxing. Besides, I doubt Ngannou would really go for it. From what I can gather, it seems like his main reason for going to boxing, aside from fulfilling a childhood dream, is to build a retirement fund and he wouldn't want to scare off any bigger paydays by doing too good. Weirder things have happened though. But it might be a pretty good confidence builder for AJ and it would certainly be a great payday, so win-win for both guys. I wouldn't be disappointed if this was one of AJ's comeback trail fights.
I don't mind that fight at all. Joshua should beat him easily but we all know Ngannou can crack and Joshua can wilt under pressure. Intriguing matchup for sure.
Lol! Nogannou is like what… 36 going on 37?? And he’s decided to cross over into boxing now?? Joshua by KO in 4. This sleazy entitled goon francis ISN’T Usyk and he will wish he signed that new UFC offer and rematched a past it 41 year old Stipe instead of this.
He will get more money from a crossover fight against Joshua, Whyte or Fury than in 50 UFC fights. He doesn't GAF about legacy. He just wants that bag.
AJ certainly possesses the skills & power to chin this dude quick. I really hope it doesn't get made, I want to see Joshua against as highly a rated fighter as possible. The HW division needs to stay competitive within itself, with all of the top ten fighting each other. If AJ has stayed in the gym working on his game, absorbing the great boxing lessons that Usyk laid on him, he should come back better than ever, losses be damned!
Everyone wants to fight Ngannou and get some of that niche market cash. When Ngannou loses to a real boxer then his stock is gone.
Who cares about AJ's brand? Are you seeing money from it? I would LOVE to see Ngannou chin him just for the Lolz alone.
