Hearn Explains Why Joshua is Fighting Ngannou

British promoter Eddie Hearn has shed light on why his client, Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs), is facing Francis Ngannou (0-1, 0 KOs) in the ring. According to the promoter, Turki Al ash-Sheikh promised the winner of this matchup a massive mega-fight.

"Isn't that exciting? If we lose to an MMA fighter with a 0-1 record, we know he's a UFC heavyweight champion with some boxing experience.

But in reality, you shouldn't be losing to guys who haven't competed at the highest level. But against Tyson Fury, he showed what he's capable of. This is the only division where anything can happen; you're not fighting light or middleweight fighters, you're fighting a big strong puncher who's not afraid to let his hands go. So, when these guys let their hands go, anything can happen.

For Joshua, it's all business; he still dreams of becoming the undisputed champion. One reason why we're taking this fight is that His Excellency in Saudi Arabia said that the winner of this fight would face the winner of Fury vs Usyk. Everything is at stake for AJ, and if he can perform well, and Fury beats Usyk, I truly believe you'll see that fight. I'm a bit nervous. On paper, AJ was supposed to walk through Ngannou, but we saw what he did to Fury in their fight.

Ngannou knocked him down in that fight, I felt he won. He's a very strong man, certainly capable of landing punches and not afraid. I'm sure there will be moments in this fight. But AJ looks fantastic, and I'm looking forward to another dominant victory from him," Hearn said.

The bout between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou is set for March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will take place there on May 18. Fury and Usyk's contract includes a clause for a possible rematch.