Eddie Hearn has revealed a possible fight between Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou could be on the planned Saudi Arabia heavyweight card for December.
Speaking on the MMA hour with Ariel Helwani, Hearn maintained that The Middle East show is targeting Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk on the same night – although the Matchroom boss doubts ‘The Gypsy King’ will take that fight.
“The focus for us is Joshua-Wilder, that fight is going to take place in December in Saudi Arabia. Without signing a contract, through my previous relationships with these people, when they tell me it’s done, it’s done.
They want to o Fury against Usyk and Joshua against Wilder on the same night, but as we’ve been told we’re doing Joshua-Wilder regardless. Obviously Fury is Fury and those negotiations are on going. I believe Fury is going to fight September or October and won’t fight Usyk in December, that’s what I think.”
However, Hearn also disclosed a rumour that the Saudis are looking to make Derek Chisora vs Francis Ngannou as a possible third fight.
“There are rumours for a third fight that night which could be Ngannou against Chisora. I actually quite like that fight because I don’t see Francis being competitive against Tyson or AJ, but more competitive against Chisora.
Chisora hasn’t fought since last December when he was on the wrong end of a one sided beatdown by old foe Fury. Many felt the 39 year-old took too much unnecessary damage that night and should hang up the gloves for good.
Ex-UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou, hasn’t fought since January 2022 and left the organisation earlier this year when contract negotiations fell apart.
The heavy handed MMA star recently signed with UFC rival, PFL, but has made no secret of the fact he’s still looking for a high profile boxing match, calling out the likes of Wilder, Joshua and Fury, but it sounds like it could now be ‘War’ Chisora in the opposite corner.