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      Francis Ngannou vows to KO Anthony Joshua as UFC legend pinpoints why Brit is an ‘easier’ fight than Tyson Fury

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has vowed to knock out Anthony Joshua – believing it will be an easier night’s work than against Tyson Fury. Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to cross over to the boxing ring for a fight with the Gypsy King.
      Francis Ngannou fights Anthony Joshua nextCredit: AFP
      Joshua and Ngannou will meet in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
      And the boxing debutant astonishingly floored Fury, 35, but failed to keep him down before losing a controversial decision.
      But Ngannou, 37, claimed he will not make the same mistake of letting Joshua, 34, back up when they share the ring in March.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I think most likely [I will] knock Anthony Joshua out. I think that he’s easier to go down than Fury.
      “That was my first fight in boxing. As anyone, I’m just improving, and the gap of improvement for a beginner like me, it’s huge.
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      “I’m just a beginner improving. No one still knows what I can do. Not that he’s not a strong fighter.
      “He’s a very tough fighter, but he’s easier to send down than Fury, and it’s harder for him to get back up than Fury.
      “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he is getting up.
      “I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin, I am going to find out.”
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      Joshua was expected to face Deontay Wilder, 38, until the American was stunned by Joseph Parker, 31.
      So AJ was forced to look elsewhere for a blockbuster bout and fell on the ex-UFC champion, who praised for British star for his last win over Otto Wallin. 32.
      Ngannou said: “He looked amazing. Congratulations to him. He was doing his job properly. His speed was there.
      “He looked sharp, very sharp, but on the other hand, I think there wasn’t a response in front of him.
      “I think I will have a better response in front of him that will put him not in such comfortable positions and situations.
      “I think he’s still the same fighter, that doesn’t mean he can’t lose. I’m intending to hand him a loss. Things will change.
      “Things will be different. I will not stand there and just look at him. It’s going to be different.
      “I’m going to throw some bombs out there, and he’s going to be mindful of what he’s doing.” More

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      UFC legend announces shock comeback just weeks before 50th birthday despite admitting he has brain damage symptoms

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      UFC legend Mark Hunt has announced plans to make a comeback – despite previously admitting he has brain damage symptoms. Heavyweight Hunt – who turns 50 in March – is an icon in New Zealand with a storied kickboxing and MMA career.
      Mark Hunt celebrates his win over Sonny Bill Williams in 2022Credit: Getty
      But he has not fought since November 2022, when he became the first to defeat All Blacks star-turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams.
      Now, Hunt revealed he is looking to make a return in 2024.
      He said on Instagram: “I’m looking forward to a good new year this year,’ Hunt said in a video message.
      “[In] 2024 I’m looking at fighting again, three or four [fights] maybe. I’m taking some offers.
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      “It’s especially a challenge at my age. I’m going to be 50 this year, but looking forward to the challenge and financially it will be great.”
      Hunt has also opened the door to a move into bare-knuckle boxing.
      He commented on the post: “3 fights and I will take the belt.”
      Hunt had 29 MMA fights, nearly 50 kickboxing bouts and four in the boxing ring.
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      And in 2017, Hunt admitted to suffering from brain damage symptoms.
      He said: “My body is f****d but my mind is still here.
      “I’ve still got my senses about me and I know what’s right and wrong, which is the main thing.
      “Sometimes I don’t sleep well. You can hear me starting to stutter and slur my words. My memory is not that good anymore.
      “I’ll forget something I did yesterday but I can remember the s*** I did years and years ago.
      “That’s just the price I’ve paid – the price of being a fighter.”
      Hunt has been fighting since 1999, and has competed as a boxer, a kick boxer, a wrestler and a MMA fighter. More

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      Anthony Joshua receives chilling warning from Francis Ngannou who claims Brit ‘doesn’t have a chin’ ahead of Saudi clash

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has vowed to give Anthony Joshua’s chin a good test in their shock showdown.The former UFC heavyweight champion will throw down with the golden boy of British boxing in a lucrative March melee in Saudi Arabia.
      Anthony Joshua will be back in action in Saudi Arabia in MarchCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
      AJ will face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
      Ngannou has vowed to hand AJ his second professional stoppage lossCredit: PA
      Ngannou, 37, bagged the Riyadh rumble with AJ on the back of a stunning display against Tyson Fury last October, in which he dropped the Gypsy King.
      And The Predator is confident the left hook that floored the WBC heavyweight king will put AJ out for the count.
      During an appearance on The MMA Hour, the Cameroonian clubber said: “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up.
      “I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”
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      Long-time AJ promoter Eddie Hearn was critical of Ngannou’s boxing skills prior to his shock display against Fury, who eked out a split decision victory over the MMA man mountain.
      The Matchroom Boxing chief has somewhat changed his opinion, although he believes Ngannou will be “easy work” for Watford warrior AJ.
      Ngannou, however, plans to give both men a rude awakening with another shock display in Riyadh.
      He said of Hearn’s comments: “Eddie is a promoter, that’s a routine for him.
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      “He says the same thing all the time, just not about Francis Ngannou but somebody else.
      “That’s just what he does. The date is set.
      “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they’re going to have easy money, that’s too bad for them.”
      Ngannou is so confident of getting the better of AJ that he’s already mentally drawing up plans to rematch the Nigerian-born Brit in Africa.
      He said: “At the end of the day, it’s great stuff for both of us.
      “He could be my brother and I’d still fight him because it elevates us both, it elevates the sport, it elevates the continent.
      “It’s not about a fight.
      “You are not fighting somebody because you hate him, you fight him because it’s a challenge and the fight always elevates both fighters.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Eddie Hearn said a lot of s***, but one thing he said that makes sense is maybe a potential rematch in Africa with Joshua.
      “I think that sounds cool. We will call that Black Excellence.” More

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      Francis Ngannou hints at Tyson Fury rematch date as he reveals contract clause before money-spinning exhibition

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has confirmed he will have a rematch with Tyson Fury after controvresially losing to the Gypsy King in October.But first, the Cameroonian fighter will head back in the ring for a lucrative Saudi showdown with Anthony Joshua in March.
      Francis Ngannou has revealed a rematch will happen with Tyson Fury in OctoberCredit: Reuters
      Ngannou will first be back in action against Anthony Joshua in MarchCredit: Getty
      In October last year Ngannou shocked the world on is boxing debut with a virtuoso display against WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, dropping him in the third round of their “Battle of the Baddest”.
      Despite the former UFC heavyweight champion controversially losing on points to the Gypsy King – he is ready to get back in the ring to do it all again.
      In an interview with the MMA Hour the Predator confirmed the contract clause between him and Fury meant a rematch would not happen right away, but within 12 months of the first bout.

      He said: “The rematch has never been right away.
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      “I think there’s even a slight chance that the ‘right away’ is the Usyk rematch.
      “Because I think their term is even closer, our rematch term was in one year. Within one year. Which is still gonna be in October this year.”
      But before Fury, Ngannou will take on AJ in a money-spinning clash where Forbes predict after pay-per-view and additional bonuses, the Cameroonian will take home at least $20m (£15.7m).
      SunSport understands the Riyadh rumble has been earmarked for March 9 – the date initially reserved for Joshua’s now dead-in-the-water clash with Deontay Wilder.
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      Meanwhile, Fury will bid to become the undisputed ruler of the heavyweight division in Saudi Arabia next month in a long-overdue showdown with former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
      Ngannou continued: “It’s going to happen. I mean there’s Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, even then we spoke about it.
      “There’s Fury and Usyk going on, so the Joshua fight was like an opportunity.
      “I was waiting for Fury, but this was the opportunity that I was happy to take, I asked for.
      “And at the end of the day, this won’t take anything away from the Fury rematch.”
      Ngannou is also signed with the Professional Fighters League so fans could expect him to return to MMA in between his fights with AJ and Fury.
      He hasn’t been in the octagon since his win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou CONFIRMED as Brit will fight Tyson Fury tormentor in March in Saudi Arabia

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      EDDIE HEARN has confirmed Anthony Joshua’s next fight will be against UFC legend Francis Ngannou.After reports emerged on social media late on Friday night, the Matchroom boxing chief took to X to announce that they were true.
      Anthony Joshua is set for a bumper Saudi showdown in MarchCredit: Reuters
      He will face UFC legend Francis Ngannou, the man who floored Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the fight is a ‘done deal’Credit: Getty

      And he announced that the exact date for the mega-money clash will unveiled at a press conference in London on January 15.
      Hearn wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Tonight we confirm it’s a Done Deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon.”
      The bout is expected to be a ten-round boxing match between the two-time former heavyweight champion and ex-UFC title holder and is another coup for Saudi dealmaker Turki Al-Sheikh.
      The news comes after AJ’s £100million two-fight deal with Deontay Wilder went up in smoke last month after the American suffered a shock defeat to former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.
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      The first of the duo’s back-to-back fights was set to take place in Saudi Arabia on March 9.
      But a spring return to action still appears to be on the cards for the Brit, even though a long-overdue showdown with Wilder isn’t.
      Hearn also recently revealed that he hopes Joshua can replicate the schedule he had in 2023, in which he fought three times in the space of ten months, winning all three.
      He beat Jermain Franklin by unanimous decision back in March before knocking out Robert Helenius in the seventh round in August.
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      Joshua then stretched his winning-streak to three by forcing Wallin to retire at the end of the fifth round last month in Saudi.
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      Meanwhile the 37-year-old Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to fight WBC champ Tyson Fury, 35, in Saudi.
      He shockingly dropped the Gypsy King only to be controversially beaten on points but his stock has risen.
      And now he has secured what promises to be another bumper payday against one of boxing’s finest after banking £8m for his last outing in the ring with Fury.
      Ngannou posted his own message to fans on social media tonight amid the news, saying: “Making big moves in the new year. 2024 is going to be [fire emoji].”
      Joshua is desperate to return to the top of the mountain in the heavyweight division and become a three-time champ.
      However, he and the rest of the top contenders are currently waiting to see who emerges triumphant when Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face-off in their unification fight.
      That mouthwatering showdown will also take place in Saudi on February 17 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
      Usyk, who beat Joshua for the WBA, WBO and IBF straps and then triumphed in the rematch, has a record of 21-0, while undefeated Fury sits at 33-1-0.
      Francis Ngannou was widely-praised for his performance against the Gypsy KingCredit: Reuters
      Anthony Joshua looked back to his best when he battered Otto WallinCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will unify the heavyweight division in FebruaryCredit: EPA

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      Deontay Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker could pave way for shock MMA switch after talks for never-before-seen fight

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      DEONTAY WILDER’S £100million deal to fight Anthony Joshua looks to have been KO’d – but it has opened the door to a shock MMA switch. The pair of former world heavyweight champions had signed to meet in a March 9 blockbuster in Saudi Arabia.
      Deontay Wilder after his December defeat to Joseph ParkerCredit: Getty
      Wilder had been expected to beat Parker and set up a fight with AJCredit: Getty
      But it was axed after Wilder suffered a loss to Joseph Parker, 31, just moments before AJ stopped Otto Wallin, 32.
      So the American is now left to reconsider his options following defeat – but Joshua was not the only super-fight on the table.
      Wilder had held talks with MMA promotion The Professional Fighters League, who last year prised Francis Ngannou away from the UFC.
      Discussions were ongoing for the boxing star to meet Ngannou in the middle with a never-before-seen hybrid fight of mixed rules in an MMA cage.
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      And PFL CEO Peter Murray insisted the loss to Parker does not kill the deal – it in fact only aids it.
      Murray told SunSport: “We had a number of conversations and conversations are ongoing.
      “I think despite Deontay’s loss, I believe it’s now a great opportunity for Deontay to take on a new challenge in MMA and modified rules to get these two hardest-hitting fighters in a cage together.
      “I think that’s a fight that fans would absolutely get up for and for both Francis and Deontay, I think it’s a real conversation.”
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      Murray hopes Wilder, 38, could now look for a fresh start altogether with his boxing career facing uncertainty.
      He said: “It’s a great opportunity for Deontay to take on a new challenge.
      “He’s a great fighter, despite the loss, he’s a great fighter, a great boxer and he has interest to get into a modified rules MMA fight.
      “I think this gives everybody the opportunity and flexibility to take it on.”
      Ngannou is yet to debut with the PFL having instead crossed over to boxing in October to fight current WBC champ Tyson Fury.
      And he astonishingly dropped Fury – only to lose a controversial decsion.
      With Joshua, 34, also forced to look elsewhere, Ngannou, 37, has been touted as a potential opponent for that March 9 date.
      And Murray confirmed the Cameroonian will fight in both the cage and ring this year – which will mark his anticipated PFL debut.
      He said: “It will definitely be in 2024.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Francis has announcements coming in boxing and in MMA. You’ll be hearing from us in the coming weeks on that.”
      Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury despite losing on pointsCredit: GETTY
      Anthony Joshua has been linked with fighting NgannouCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou changed my life with ‘unbelievable’ payout after Tyson Fury fight, reveals UFC legend’s coach

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU shared the wealth after his lucrative fight with Tyson Fury. The UFC legend shocked the boxing world after he pushed Fury all the way when the pair came to blows in October.
      Francis Ngannou earned himself a big payday after his bout with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      Ngannou’s coach, Eric Nicksick, left, has revealed that he was paid a life changing amount of money by the fighterCredit: instagram @eric_xcmma
      Ngannou was reportedly very well paid for his professional boxing debut with the 37-year-old said to have earned around £8.7MILLION.
      And the incredible sum didn’t just change his life, but also the life of his coach for the fight, Eric Nicksick.
      The Cameroon-born fighter has been coached by Nicksick since 2018 and certainly thanked the American for his help after the fight.
      Nicksick revealed that Ngannou’s generosity following his split-decision loss to Fury has flipped his life upside down.
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      Speaking to MMA Junkie, he said: “It was the most money I’ve ever been paid by a fighter – it was unbelievable,
      “It was more than I expected. Obviously, Francis has always taken great care of me, but it floored me.”
      Boxers are generally understood to pay coaches anywhere between five and 20 per cent of their earnings following a fight.
      And whatever figure it was that Ngannou gave Nicksick it certainly left him grateful for the changes it allowed him to make.
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      He went on to say: “When I saw my Wells Fargo account that morning, it literally brought me to tears.
      “That’s a true story. Literally brought me to tears because he changed my life – not only from a professional standpoint, but a monetary standpoint.
      “It allowed me a lot of financial freedom. To allow me to be able to enjoy my coaching, enjoy being a dad and a husband,
      “And I get to take my kids to Park City this weekend, for my daughter’s 16th birthday. It helped us buy a new car.
      “There’s a lot of things with Francis moving over to boxing, and the way he takes care of his team.
      “He loves every single one of us and he shows it. He takes care of us, and I couldn’t thank him enough.” More

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      Tyson Fury is ‘regretful’ over Francis Ngannou fight and ‘took it lightly’ but rematch with ex-UFC star remains on cards

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      TYSON FURY is “regretful” over his fight with Francis Ngannou and “took it lightly” leaving a rematch on the cards. Fury was dropped by the ex-UFC champion – who was making his ring debut – in their Saudi Arabia crossover clash in October.
      Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
      The Gypsy King escaped with a controversial split-decision win but his title unification with Oleksandr Usyk was delayed from December to February 17.
      But Todd DuBoef of Top Rank – who promote Fury – revealed a rematch with 37-year-old Ngannou remains possible.
      DuBoef told Sky Sports: “That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that.
      “His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely.
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      “I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.
      “He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.
      “Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”
      Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, are set to contest for all four world titles – a first in heavyweight history.
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      And the rivalry could extend over two bouts with the deal believed to include a rematch clause.
      DuBoef said: “I’m not a big rematch fan. I just think that it kind of takes the prize out of the prizefight.
      “It [the use of rematch clauses] is a new phenomenon that’s come in the last probably decade and a half.
      “So I’m not a big rematch fan but you have to understand that there are rematch clauses in fights and it’s more of the norm today.”
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing offCredit: Reuters More