In a stunning turn of events, renowned promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly advocated for a clash between his fighter, Anthony Joshua, and the formidable Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion from Cameroon, recently shook the boxing world by nearly defeating WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a non-title bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite ultimately losing to Fury in a razor-thin split decision, Ngannou showcased his prowess by flooring the British champion in the third round, defying expectations that he would be out of his depth in the boxing ring. Now, other top contenders, including former two-time WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, are eager to step into the ring with Ngannou. Eddie Hearn has proposed an enticing idea of Joshua, who has Nigerian heritage, facing Ngannou in Africa, harking back to the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" that occurred nearly 50 years ago. The potential matchup has captured the imagination of fight fans worldwide. Hearn remarked on "The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani," stating, "AJ against Francis Ngannou is absolutely massive. It's massive. Two giants next to each other. Who knows what's going to happen? I can't even believe we're debating this." Hearn believes that the financial incentives for Ngannou in the world of boxing could persuade him to forgo a return to MMA. The Matchroom Boxing boss is confident in the colossal revenue that a fight between Joshua and Ngannou could generate, potentially surpassing Ngannou's earnings from his bout against Fury. Initially, Joshua wasn't inclined towards what some might call a "gimmick fight." However, as Hearn pointed out, many skeptics perceived the Fury vs. Ngannou bout as farcical before it took place. Now, the discussion has shifted to the intriguing possibility of Francis Ngannou defeating Anthony Joshua. Hearn is willing to bet on it, saying, "Take my money, prove me wrong. [Ngannou] can punch, there's no doubt." Reflecting on Ngannou's performance against Fury, Hearn commended the former UFC champion's resilience and ability to absorb punches. He also suggested that Ngannou deserved the victory, opining, "I thought he won the fight. And for a debutant to beat the world heavyweight champion is just the most unbelievable feat." In the eyes of Hearn, Ngannou's unconventional style and his adeptness as a counterpuncher, occasionally adopting a southpaw stance, confounded Fury and earned him the respect of the boxing world. Hearn acknowledged the pressure Ngannou faced in this high-stakes debut, asserting that his ability to disrupt Fury's usual tactics was a testament to his brilliance. The prospect of an epic showdown between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou now looms large, captivating fight enthusiasts and leaving them eager to witness this potential clash of titans. Only time will tell if this extraordinary matchup will become a reality and redefine the boundaries between the worlds of boxing and MMA.

Arslanbek Makhmudov, the heavyweight contender with an impressive record of 18-0 and 17 KOs, is eyeing a title shot in the coming year, and he has his sights set on none other than Tyson Fury. This aspiration stems from some comments made by Fury that piqued Makhmudov's interest. Makhmudov showcased his prowess last Saturday during the Fury vs. Francis Ngannou undercard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he dispatched Junior Anthony Wright in the first round. Despite this victory, Makhmudov recognizes the need to face more formidable opponents to solidify his standing in the heavyweight division. Given his imposing 6'5" frame and devastating punching power, finding willing opponents has been a challenge. Makhmudov's promoters, likely aware of his potential, need to leverage their resources to secure a title shot for the 34-year-old before time catches up with him. One potential matchup Top Rank could facilitate is Makhmudov facing Jared Anderson, a talented 23-year-old heavyweight. However, it appears unlikely due to Top Rank's intent to groom Anderson into a star. The risk of Anderson being derailed by Makhmudov is not a favorable business move, despite Makhmudov's potential. Makhmudov has notched impressive victories over Junior Anthony Wright, Raphael Akpejiori, Michael Wallisch, Carlos Takam, Mariusz Wach, Erkan Teper, and Pavel Sour. While these opponents would be suitable for a fighter in their early twenties, Makhmudov, at 34, cannot afford to linger at this level of competition. If a shot against Fury or Oleksandr Usyk isn't attainable, targeting the WBA secondary belt holder, Mahmoud Charr, is a feasible option. Charr could provide a quick win for Makhmudov, similar to his recent demolition of Wright. Makhmudov's incredible punching power ensures that he remains a force to be reckoned with, even if he has to wait for a title shot against the top dogs like Fury and Usyk. Makhmudov is currently ranked #3 with the WBC, but securing a title bout against Fury next year appears unlikely due to Fury's schedule, including a fight against Oleksandr Usyk and potentially a rematch with Ngannou. With only a few fights left in Fury's career, he may not prioritize a bout with Makhmudov, favoring opponents with wider recognition to maximize earnings. Fury's recent fight against Francis Ngannou exemplifies this strategy, capitalizing on Ngannou's popularity among MMA fans. Nonetheless, Makhmudov remains committed to his goal of competing for a world title, and the possibility of a clash with Tyson Fury adds an intriguing dimension to the heavyweight division. In conclusion, Arslanbek Makhmudov's quest for a world title continues, with Tyson Fury emerging as a potential target following recent comments. Despite his age, Makhmudov's formidable skills and punching power make him a formidable contender. It remains to be seen whether Top Rank can secure him a title shot or if alternative paths to a championship bout will present themselves.

Carl Froch, a former middleweight world champion, has strongly criticized Tyson Fury's contentious victory over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, describing it as "corruption at the highest level." Fury secured a split decision win over Ngannou, who was making his professional boxing debut. The fight was closely contested, with judges scoring it 94-95, 96-93, and 95-94 in favor of Fury. Ngannou's strong performance in the bout, which included dropping Fury in the third round, left many questioning the judges' decision. Froch, in a video on his YouTube channel, expressed his belief that Ngannou had won the fight. He commented, "Tyson Fury got beat. That was a bad decision. I’m not going to say it was a blatant robbery. A lot of the rounds were close, but for me, Francis Ngannou won that fight." The controversial outcome has raised doubts about Fury's highly-anticipated fight against Oleksandr Usyk, scheduled for December 23 in Saudi Arabia. Froch suggested that the judges might have been influenced by the upcoming unification bout. He claimed, "For me, it’s corruption at the highest level. They’ve gone out to Saudi Arabia, and all that money is on the line. Everything is geared towards the fight with Fury and Usyk, and Ngannou gets in there and puts a proper spanner in the works." Fury's lackluster performance against Ngannou and his knockdown by the Cameroonian have cast shadows over his readiness for the bout against Usyk. While Fury initially indicated the fight would proceed as planned, doubts have arisen. Promoter Frank Warren suggested that it might be postponed to early next year, but Usyk maintained that the contractual agreement requires the fight to occur on December 23. Froch remains skeptical about Fury's prospects against Usyk. He questioned whether Fury would proceed with the fight given his recent performance and commented, "What does Tyson Fury do now? Is he going to fight Usyk now on the 23rd of December? I don’t see how he’s going to go now on the back of that loss. I think he’s going to want some more time." The controversial win over Ngannou and its potential implications for the Usyk bout have left the boxing world in anticipation of the Gypsy King's next move.

The upcoming battle between Demetrius Andrade and David Benavidez for the chance to become Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez's mandatory challenger has been dubbed a potential blockbuster event. Taking place on November 25 as a Showtime PPV event, it's one of the network's final offerings before its departure from boxing. The fight is highly competitive, with Benavidez, a two-time undefeated champion in the super middleweight division, granting Andrade, who recently moved up in weight after capturing titles in two lower divisions, an opportunity to stake his claim as the number one contender. Speaking on Pro Box TV, former world champion Paulie Malignaggi shared his insights on Andrade's career trajectory. He expressed his belief that Andrade had the potential to be the best in the world during his prime. Malignaggi stated, "Let me be real clear: Demetrius Andrade would have beaten your favorite fighter at any point in his prime." He emphasized that Andrade's prime was regrettably marred by missed opportunities and personal choices, leaving many to wonder what could have been. While Andrade's career may not have seen the challenging matchups fans desired, he now faces a significant test against Benavidez. Malignaggi, acknowledging Andrade's age (35) and the wear and tear he has endured over the years, believes Benavidez has the edge and may even secure a stoppage victory. Malignaggi explained, "Andrade definitely is one of the tragic stories of boxing. I don't think he's going to beat Benavidez. I see Benavidez closing very, very strong after an Andrade good start. At 35, 36 it's a lot more difficult to stay strong down the stretch. You're not in your prime." Both Andrade and Benavidez have long coveted a showdown with Canelo, and the winner of their upcoming clash will earn the right to face the Mexican superstar in the first half of 2024. The fight promises to be a compelling step in the journey towards that ultimate prize.

In the first episode of series two of "Louis Theroux Interviews," renowned British documentary maker Louis Theroux delves into the enigmatic world of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua. Joshua, who has always been somewhat of an enigma, opened up to Theroux during their candid conversation. Yet, despite the insightful dialogue and moments of vulnerability, viewers are left with a sense that they still don't truly know the man behind the gloves. Theroux explores various aspects of Joshua's life that shape his identity. There's the turbulent past of a rebellious teenager caught with copious amounts of marijuana while wearing his Team GB kit. Then there's the champion, who experienced meteoric success before suffering defeats at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua also wears the hat of a businessman, amassing wealth inside and outside the ring. The documentary captures Joshua at a pivotal moment in his career as he fights to regain his standing in the heavyweight division. It includes an intimate interview at his Finchley gym, where Theroux doesn't shy away from asking tough questions about drugs, relationships, criticism, and the risks of head injuries in boxing. While Joshua is forthcoming with his responses, the most compelling moments occur outside the Q&A session. Watching Joshua and Theroux trade impromptu raps while making tea, spar with a punching bag, and discuss a potential celebrity fight against Piers Morgan reveals their genuine rapport. The documentary also offers heartwarming glimpses into Joshua's family life, highlighting the strong bond he shares with his loved ones. One key theme throughout the documentary is Joshua's internal conflict. He vacillates between boasting about revitalizing the heavyweight division and expressing self-doubt after a fight. This inner turmoil leads Theroux to observe, "AJ seemed to be conflicted about the path he was on." While boxing has been Joshua's salvation and he claims to do it for the love of the sport, he's also increasingly conscious of the long-term risks, particularly the dangers of head trauma. In the end, the documentary leaves viewers pondering whether they truly understand the multi-faceted Anthony Joshua any better than before. While Theroux's interview provides valuable insights, the enigma of this celebrated boxer endures, compelling viewers to look forward to unraveling more layers of his identity in future episodes.

Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom has shared his thoughts on how Tyson Fury's recent fight against MMA fighter Francis Ngannou has affected the landscape of boxing matchups. According to Hearn, Fury's performance against Ngannou, a bout he won by a razor-close ten-round split decision, has had a significant impact on the much-anticipated undisputed fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn predicts that the criticism Fury will receive following the fight may prompt him to take a step back from social media and media engagements to regroup. He believes that the criticism and close call will hurt Fury's legacy. Before the Ngannou fight, Fury had already signed a deal to face Usyk in Saudi Arabia on December 23. However, after the damage he sustained in the fight, including a third-round knockdown, a forehead cut from an uppercut, and a swollen left eye, it's likely that the fight with Usyk will be postponed to early 2024. Hearn suggests that the surprising and competitive nature of the Ngannou fight has altered the dynamics of boxing, making a Fury-Ngannou rematch a more appealing prospect for fans than the previously highly anticipated bout between Fury and Usyk. While some may see Ngannou's success in boxing as detrimental to the sport, Hearn believes that it has generated significant interest and discussions, making Ngannou one of the most valuable boxers globally. This newfound recognition also opens up opportunities for Ngannou in the MMA world, potentially leading to high-profile matchups. In essence, Hearn highlights the significant impact that Tyson Fury's fight against Francis Ngannou has had on the world of combat sports, sparking increased interest and conversations across boxing and MMA.

Irish boxer Luke Keeler is making a comeback after nearly four years away from the ring. He is set to fight on "The Beginning Card" on November 3rd, marking his return to professional boxing. Keeler, a former WBO world title challenger, sees this fight as the start of "another run at it" and has set his sights on an IBO (International Boxing Organization) title. Keeler, also known as 'Cool Hand,' is determined to win an IBO title, a belt that has added significant credibility to the careers of boxers such as Anthony Cacace, Padraig McCrory, and Dennis Hogan. Despite acknowledging that he won't jump straight to becoming a world champion, Keeler believes that the IBO title is an achievable goal. The Irish fighter has received positive feedback from two promoters who are interested in setting up a bout for the IBO title. Jay Byrne and McElenney Promotions have expressed interest in the idea, which has given Keeler hope for the future. While there was talk of a potential IBO title fight with fellow Irish boxer Conor Coyle, it seems that this fight won't happen anytime soon. Keeler is focused on getting back into the swing of things, starting with his upcoming fight, followed by an eight-round bout to regain momentum. Keeler's last fight was against Demetrius Andrade for the WBO world title, and he is returning to the sport feeling fresh and invigorated. He believes that his time away from boxing has allowed him to come back stronger and better than before. Luke Keeler is eager to make his mark in the boxing world once again and to fulfill his goal of securing the IBO title.

The recent match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou sparked controversy when Tyson Fury appeared to elbow Ngannou in the sixth round. Fans and observers were surprised that referee Michael Griffin did not intervene or deduct a point, leading to debate about whether Fury should have been penalized or even disqualified. The elbow incident in question occurred in the sixth round and was captured in slow-motion replays. Many believed that it was a deliberate foul on Fury's part. Fury had already faced challenges in the match, including a knockdown in the third round and taking hard left hook counters. Some argue that his elbow was an act of frustration due to his struggles in the fight. Despite the elbow incident, no penalty or disqualification occurred, and Tyson Fury went on to win the fight by a split decision. The controversy surrounding the lack of action from the referee has led to discussions about Fury's history of bending the rules in his favor in previous fights. These incidents include shoving, rabbit punches, low blows, and excessive leaning on opponents, with referees often allowing these actions to continue. Notably, Fury has faced accusations of bending the rules in his favor against Deontay Wilder, which saved him from potential knockouts. The debate continues regarding whether Tyson Fury should have been penalized for the elbow incident, and whether it would have changed the outcome of the fight from a win to a draw. Trainer Robert Garcia shared his opinion on the matter, noting the lack of damage caused but acknowledging the elbow's deliberate nature. He also highlighted Fury's physical condition and his ability to use his body and play dirty, which has made him a challenging opponent in the heavyweight division. Additionally, the debate has expanded to Tyson Fury's punch resistance, with claims that it is not what it used to be. This has led some to believe that fighters like Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk could capitalize on this vulnerability in future matches. The controversy surrounding Tyson Fury's elbow incident and his ability to use unorthodox tactics in his fights raises questions about the enforcement of rules and the level of sportsmanship in professional boxing.

Demetrius Andrade faces uncertainty about whether Canelo Alvarez will agree to fight him even if he beats David Benavidez on November 25th. Canelo's team has been cautious since his loss to Dmitry Bivol last year, choosing middle-of-the-road opponents to secure easy wins. The possibility of a Canelo-Andrade fight seems unlikely, as Canelo prefers lucrative, low-risk matches. Andrade shared his skepticism in an interview, expressing his frustration with Canelo's selective opponents. Despite his Olympic background and world champion status, Andrade believes that the fight with Benavidez may not secure a match against Canelo. The boxing world has witnessed Andrade's efforts to secure significant fights, but top fighters have consistently avoided him, impacting his career trajectory. Although Canelo's team hasn't confirmed their next opponent, they are eyeing Jaime Munguia and a potential rematch with David Benavidez. Both options are seen as easier fights for Canelo, securing his financial gains. Andrade's struggle to secure marquee fights has continued throughout his career, even when he moved up in weight classes. His unique boxing style and skills make him a challenging opponent, deterring potential foes from facing him. The elusive fight with Canelo remains uncertain, and Andrade faces the ongoing challenge of convincing the higher-ups to make it a reality. The path to securing the Canelo fight remains complex and uncertain for Demetrius Andrade, despite his impressive credentials and skills.

Devin Haney's strategy in the boxing world has earned him some criticism from Regis Prograis' strength and conditioning coach, Evins Tobler. Tobler sees Haney, his father Bill, and their team as opportunistic "vultures" who prey on struggling fighters. They seek out weakened opponents, capitalizing on their vulnerabilities. Tobler points to Haney's track record, where he faced and defeated fighters like George Kambosos Jr, Jorge Linares, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Joseph 'JoJo' Diaz, and Vasily Lomachenko, all of whom were perceived as less than their best at the time. In his eyes, Bill Haney analyzed Prograis' last fight against Danielito Zorrilla and detected weaknesses that led them to choose a fight with Regis to attempt to dethrone him. Devin Haney is set to challenge Prograis on December 9th in the main event, a DAZN PPV bout at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Tobler believes that Haney might have made a mistake selecting Prograis as his opponent, as he anticipates a tough battle where running to victory won't be an option. Tobler emphasizes that Prograis needs to cut off the ring effectively and fight through clinches, as Haney has shown an ability to sneak in shots during these moments. He also highlights the importance of targeting power shots to Haney's head, as the latter's punch resistance has come into question in recent fights. Nonstop pressure is another key element for Prograis, as allowing Haney to dictate the pace could lead to him gaining an advantage and boxing from a distance to secure rounds. In essence, Prograis is gearing up for a war against Haney, and his team is determined to challenge the perceived opportunistic approach of their opponent. The fight promises to be a thrilling clash, with both fighters having their strengths and strategies to contend with. has earned him some criticism from Regis Prograis' strength and conditioning coach, Evins Tobler. Tobler sees Haney, his father Bill, and their team as opportunistic "vultures" who prey on struggling fighters. They seek out weakened opponents, capitalizing on their vulnerabilities. Tobler points to Haney's track record, where he faced and defeated fighters like George Kambosos Jr, Jorge Linares, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Joseph 'JoJo' Diaz, and Vasily Lomachenko, all of whom were perceived as less than their best at the time. In his eyes, Bill Haney analyzed Prograis' last fight against Danielito Zorrilla and detected weaknesses that led them to choose a fight with Regis to attempt to dethrone him. Devin Haney is set to challenge Prograis on December 9th in the main event, a DAZN PPV bout at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Tobler believes that Haney might have made a mistake selecting Prograis as his opponent, as he anticipates a tough battle where running to victory won't be an option. Tobler emphasizes that Prograis needs to cut off the ring effectively and fight through clinches, as Haney has shown an ability to sneak in shots during these moments. He also highlights the importance of targeting power shots to Haney's head, as the latter's punch resistance has come into question in recent fights. Nonstop pressure is another key element for Prograis, as allowing Haney to dictate the pace could lead to him gaining an advantage and boxing from a distance to secure rounds. In essence, Prograis is gearing up for a war against Haney, and his team is determined to challenge the perceived opportunistic approach of their opponent. The fight promises to be a thrilling clash, with both fighters having their strengths and strategies to contend with.

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, may have faced a defeat at the hands of Tyson Fury, but his remarkable performance has ignited speculation about his next move. With options aplenty, fans are eager to see what the "baddest man on the planet" will choose. A Rematch with Fury: The most obvious option is a rematch with Tyson Fury. Ngannou's incredible boxing debut left him feeling like he should have won the fight. He's keen on a second meeting with Fury, having showcased his ability to match Fury's pace, adapt to his moves, and even drop him in the third round. Facing Deontay Wilder: Deontay Wilder, the hard-hitting heavyweight, is another enticing prospect. While Wilder's first choice is Anthony Joshua, a bout with Ngannou could draw substantial attention. If Joshua isn't in the running, Ngannou's fame makes him an ideal matchup. Joshua as an Opponent: Though less likely, a showdown with Anthony Joshua is not entirely out of the question. Joshua, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, may see Ngannou as a legitimate opponent following his efforts against Fury. Return to MMA and PFL: Ngannou has expressed interest in returning to mixed martial arts (MMA). In that case, he might set his sights on the PFL heavyweight championship. With Renan Ferreira and Denis Goltsov set to fight for it, Ngannou could potentially challenge the winner. His reputation for offering substantial paydays to opponents could make this an attractive opportunity. Other Boxing Contenders: Several high-level fighters are eager to lure Ngannou back to the boxing ring. Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, Ryan Bader, Linton Vassell, and Vadim Nemkov are among the potential opponents. Ngannou's fame and the unique nature of his loss to Fury make him a sought-after competitor in the boxing world. Francis Ngannou's future is uncertain, but one thing is sure: he has a world of options to choose from, ensuring fans will eagerly anticipate his next move in the world of combat sports.