Eddie Hearn Pens Message Lauding Anthony Joshua After Francis Ngannou KO Win: “Better Than Ever”

Anthony Joshua’s era in the boxing realm has begun once again. Ahead of his fight against Francis Ngannou, most, including his promoter, Eddie Hearn believed that his victory would not be an easy aim to chase. However, he proved everyone wrong and achieved with dexterity.

At Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, ‘AJ’ managed to do what the WBC titlist, Tyson Fury, could not previously. After taking control of the fight right from the beginning, AJ engaged Ngannou in an intense showdown until he dropped the latter in the second round. The second-round knockout victory impressed Hearn. Beaming with pride now, he called his fighter, Joshua, “an inspiration.”

Eddie Hearn reflects on Anthony Joshua’s consistency

If the 34-year-old had lost his fight last night, what would have happened? Would he have been able to rebuild his dreams of becoming a three-time world champion? Would his run in the heavyweight division have seen its end? Well, none of that happened. He positioned himself as a fighter back on track, to rule his weight class. Invigorated by such prospects, Hearn posted a heartwarming image of the fighter in action with an endearing message.

The Head of Matchroom Boxing noted, “This man is an inspiration. The consistency he has shown since he turned professional has been unbelievable. Never cuts corners, always searching for improvement and just as importantly has time for absolutely everyone. Many wrote him off but he is back better than ever and coming for it all!”

Hearn was vocal about his fears ahead of the matchup. He even called Ngannou “a massive hurdle” in the path of AJ emerging as the undisputed champion eventually. In an earlier interview, he explained, “I’ll be honest with you, the knees were trembling a little bit when I saw the size of him at the grand arrivals. He is a man mountain, and he is full of heart. You know AJ has to be switched on.” Oh man, was AJ switched on!

The groundbreaking win has instilled a sense of confidence not just in Hearn but also in all the others who doubted AJ previously. The British kingpin now remains confident that his fighter has it in him to go on for a while longer until he faces every fighter in his division. He reflected on these sentiments moments after 28-3, AJ impressed the world last evening.

Read More: Doctor Explains Francis Ngannou Was ‘Already Concussed’ Before Anthony Joshua Knocked Him Out

AJ-Davison, a lethal combination

Hearn attributes yesterday’s success to Joshua’s newfound association with trainer Ben Davison. Ahead of his Otto Wallin fight, he roped in the English trainer. He continued this partnership even for the Ngannou fight. Hearn explained how the decision was a necessary one.

He noted post-fight, “I really believe he’s going to be an undisputed champion. There were times when I said it and the doubts were creeping in but the team-up with Ben and Lee [Wylie, fight strategist], they’ve just done a brilliant job, they’ve got him believing again, everything he’s learning along the way, he’s just a complete fighter now.”

Who would his fighter want to fight now? Anyone and everyone, says Hearn. That also includes his long-time foe, Deontay Wilder, and his former opponent, Joseph Parker. “I don’t know how long he’s going to keep going, but right now it’s certainly going to be another three, five, seven fights.”

Also Read: “Man Hit Francis Ngannou So Hard Tyson Fury Felt It”: Gypsy King’s Reaction to Anthony Joshua’s Knockout Win Draws Wild Response from Boxing World

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