Anthony Joshua urges UFC champion to emulate Francis Ngannou and make boxing switch
After one MMA and kickboxing legend extended his legacy in the UFC by retaining his title, former world champion boxer Anthony Joshua spoke of him glowingly.
Heavyweight superstar Anthony Joshua has urged the two-weight UFC champion Alex Pereira to consider following Francis Ngannou in swapping the octagon for the boxing ring. The Brazilian reinforced his legacy in the MMA as he defended his light heavyweight belt with victory over Jiri Prochazka in June.
Related articles
His standing in the combat sports community has never been higher following that win as he dispatched of his adversary from the Czech Republic with a second round knockout at UFC 303. Also a two-division world champion in kickboxing, he is believed to be the first fighter to have reigned in more than one one weight class in both that discipline and the MMA.
The entertaining spectacle versus "BJP" earned them the Performance of the Night honors, with household names beyond the UFC having been left impressed with Pereira's display. Among the 37-year-old's advocates is two-time former unified world heavyweight champion boxer Joshua, who predicted that the UFC ace has the attributes to excel in the ring.
Joshua has consistently been charitable in his remarks towards peers in the past and encouraged last opponent Ngannou to not hang up his gloves after defeating him in March. Taking to Twitter/X, "AJ" engaged in a back-and-forth with "Poatan" as he spoke in glowing terms about his fellow fighter's credentials when it comes to making a switch to boxing.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Pondering the prospect, the Brit said: "Alex Pereira should make a boxing debut one day, to which Pereira gave a positive response, replying: "I’m honoured you think so. It’s always been my dream - [but] I’m 37, I cannot make a career in it, so who do you recommend I fight?"
After seemingly giving the idea the green light, Joshua appeared to be optimisitic that he would be able to help the UFC legend to potentially pursue a career in boxing, as he added: "The options are endless champ. I am sure something can be done. Drop @258mgt a line."
Fans welcomed the prospect too, with one user saying: "Get him a cruiserweight fight to start off with then go into a fight with someone like Frank Sanchez or Luis Ortiz," while one user said: "The options are endless Joshua. How about you fight him in the UFC," as another agreed, adding: " How about you come to MMA to fight Alex?"
Don't miss...
Ryan Garcia issues apology and admits - 'I struggle with substance abuse' [LATEST]
Eddie Hearn boxing photos made him think he'd die and forced him into change [LATEST]
Anthony Joshua 'doesn't give a ----' as Daniel Dubois fight warning issued [LATEST]
Demonstrating his own humility, Joshua was quick to offer words of encouragement to Ngannou after their contest earlier in the year. Reflecting on a memorable match in which he downed the UFC icon with a savage knockout blow, he said: "On the road to the championship, you should always stay focused.
"When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury, I thought I want some of that. (Ngannou) is a great champion and this doesn't take anything away from his capabilities. I told him not to leave boxing. He's two fights in and he fought the best."
Meanwhile, his rival on the night spoke of his his respect for the former world champion after he inflicted defeat. He added: "You can be sure I'm not done here. It wasn't my day. He was way better than me today. It sucks but it's the game. We all know that.
"[Joshua] was quite special because he stopped me. He did what Tyson couldn't do. In fact, I didn't feel the punch. I think that's what a knockout is about. I don't feel any pain. That's how I know I was knocked out."