Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his belief that an exhibition boxing match between Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou could be the next step for Fury. While nothing has been confirmed, Hearn shared this information in a recent interview with Boxing Social.
According to Hearn, the proposed exhibition match would not allow knockdowns or anything of the sort. While he expressed his disappointment with this development, Hearn acknowledged that it is what he has heard regarding Fury’s next fight. The disappointment stems from the fact that a fight between Fury and Hearn’s fighter, Oleksandr Usyk, did not come to fruition to determine an undisputed heavyweight champion. Despite discussions on social media, the anticipated bout has yet to be officially signed.
Ngannou has been inactive since his unanimous decision victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022, where he successfully defended his UFC heavyweight title. Following the bout, Ngannou underwent surgery for a knee injury. He subsequently parted ways with the UFC and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in May, with the intention of competing in a boxing match before making his promotional debut in 2024.
When asked about the potential Fury-Ngannou fight and its impact on boxing, Hearn emphasized the importance of traditional boxing matchups, particularly expressing his desire to see Fury face Usyk. He highlighted the pursuit of an undisputed championship and the significance it holds. However, Hearn acknowledged that Fury has autonomy over his career and acknowledged that the exhibition match could be financially rewarding for him.
While the possibility of Fury and Ngannou stepping into the ring together remains uncertain, Hearn’s comments shed light on the ongoing discussions and the potential directions Fury’s career may take.