Deontay Wilder is out, and the new hardest hitter in boxing is in! Ariel Helwani wants to continue his discussions with Eddie Hearn after a fight between Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua was confirmed. Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry Promotions came out with the announcement on Friday night. But for when?

The potential fight will unfold in Saudi Arabia on March 8. Ironically, ‘AJ’ was supposed to face ‘The Bronze Bomber’ on the same date. However, the former hardest hitter lost to Joseph Parker on points on 23 December last year, alongside chances of fighting Joshua. In the wake of this massive development, the MMA reporter called out Hearn on Twitter today to continue his debate about who would win.

Ariel Helwani reveals how Francis Ngannou can beat Anthony Joshua

Turning to the platform, Helwani wrote, “Feels like we need to pick up this chat, @EddieHearn.” But what did they say before? During Helwani’s interview from October last year, Hearn claimed, “I promise you this, respect to Francis, easy work for my man.” He also suggested that the MMA community is hyped up because of Ngannou’s dominating performance against Tyson Fury, but Joshua will show them the reality.

In response, Helwani argued that Hearn couldn’t be serious about Joshua destroying ‘The Predator’ in a fight. So, Hearn questioned Helwani if he thought Ngannou could defeat Joshua in a fight. “Ngannou lands that punch he landed in the third round [in the fight against Fury]…I don’t know [if] AJ gets off the mat,” Helwani reveals how Ngannou can defeat Joshua. Hearn couldn’t believe Helwani’s answer, stating, “No. Ariel!”

Later in the interview, Helwani suggested Hearn was trying to downplay Ngannou’s potential by bringing up Hearn and Joshua’s claims about Ngannou vs. Fury, where they scoffed at the fight, claiming it was “farcical.” However, Hearn corrects Helwani, insisting he was the one who called it farcical and not Joshua. But the MMA reporter wasn’t having it, as he reminded Hearn that “AJ said it was a gimmick fight.” 

Also Read: Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou Fight Details Including Date, Venue, Rules, and More

So, Hearn clarified that Joshua was referring to “he wasn’t interested in a gimmick fight when it was proposed to him.” Hearn proceeds to highlight that before Ngannou’s spectacular performance, the fight was ridiculous, but now they are debating who could win. He also added what many would say is the same mistake Fury made before a fight against Ngannou. “Take my money, and I will show you what happens when Anthony Joshua fights Francis Ngannou,” said Hearn.

Only time will tell if Hearn is right about Joshua against Ngannou, but it would be interesting to see what Hearn has to say if he appears in an interview with Helwani again. Until then, who do you think would win? 

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