Francis Ngannou makes feelings clear on Anthony Joshua boxing match after Tyson Fury defeat
Boxing news: Francis Ngannou has opened up on potential Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fights
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Francis Ngannou has made it clear he'd prefer a rematch with Tyson Fury instead of a fight with Anthony Joshua.
The former UFC star performed excellently during his recent showdown with Fury in Saudi Arabia.
He floored his opponent in round three, stunning the boxing world in the process.
And though Ngannou lost via split decision, the 37-year-old's performance in the Middle East has seen him widely hailed in the time since.
Boxing news: Francis Ngannou has no interest in Anthony Joshua for the time being
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Ngannou won't be appealing his defeat to Fury, despite losing in controversial circumstances.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, he's now insisted he'd love a rematch with the Gypsy King.
And he's also suggested that he has no interest in Joshua for now, too, with Fury very much his priority.
"I would be willing to wait [for Fury to fight Usyk]," stated Ngannou.
"I know that they are going to fight, they had a contract already, so they are going to fight sometime in February instead of December 23, which is my fault.
"I shouldn’t have cut him. He would’ve fought December 23, and maybe we would’ve run it back early next year."
On Joshua specifically, he added: "First of all, it’s too soon.
"Secondly, my focus, as boxing is concerned, is a rematch with Tyson.
"That’s the most important thing for me right now, everything else for boxing comes after."
Ngannou's comments come after boxing promoter Eddie Hearn had admitted he was exploring the possibility of Joshua facing the ex-MMA star.
“A fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou would be enormous," he said earlier this week.
"We’re considering it seriously, but there are undoubtedly hurdles to cross.
"Primarily, it’s about aligning both boxing and UFC rules and bringing it all under one roof.”
It's currently unclear when a potential rematch between Fury and Ngannou would take place, however.
The Gypsy King needs more time to recover after their gruelling clash in Saudi.
Fury had gone into the fight as the strong favourite to reign supreme given his years of boxing experience.
However, Ngannou shocked many and some feel he was unlucky to lose.
One person who could face the 37-year-old is Derek Chisora, with the 39-year-old recently confirming his interest.
"I want everybody, I want Francis Ngannou yeah, I wanna get it," he told IFL TV.
When quizzed on whether he'd be ready, the Brit added: “I’m ready to fight every day bro.”
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Boxing news: Francis Ngannou is prioritising a rematch with Tyson Fury over any potential Anthony Joshua fight
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And Chisora also hailed Ngannou, too, admitting the former UFC man is a 'great fighter'.
"It’ll be a great fight and I’ll knock him out," he continued.
“He’s amazing, he’s a great fighter, he’s a strong guy, he’s a great MMA fighter, he caught Tyson on a bad day and it happens.”