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PFL CEO believes Ngannou could beat Joshua

Professional Fighters League [PFL] CEO Peter Murray is putting his money on Francis Ngannou over Anthony Joshua.

Murray believes in Ngannou

The former MMA veteran will face Joshua on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Murray believes that Ngannou could beat Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, based on his previous performance against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

“Everybody underestimated Francis with Tyson [Fury], including Tyson, so I think Francis has been training constantly,” Murray told Sky Sports.

“He certainly won the crowd and the fan base around the world, and many would say, including me, he won that fight.”

Ngannou, 37, made his professional boxing debut last October 2023 against Fury.

The French fighter gave Fury a run for his money, even knocking him down in the third round.

“The Gypsy King” Fury would win a close ten-round split decision.

“He’s on a mission and I would not underestimate the big fella against AJ. It’s going to be a massive event. We’re excited for him, and we’ll obviously be in his corner,” Murray said.

“I believe he can [beat Joshua]. Francis is only going to get better in his second showing. So I think it’s on. It’ll be a really fun event to watch. He’s the number one heavyweight MMA champion in the world.”

“He’s taken on boxing, his pro boxing career, his first event, against one of the best in the world, and now his second event against one of the very best in the world.”

“So, you know that’s always been part of Francis’s vision in this stage of his career and we’re proud of him. Couldn’t be more excited for him.”

Even Joshua himself is not underestimating Ngannou, saying this will be an “undisputed fight” for the American.

“He ain’t easy money. He’s a hard night’s work,” Joshua acknowledged. “And you know what’s crazy? So am I. I’m a hard night’s work for anyone. So let’s go, it’s going to be fireworks.”