Anthony Joshua shows interest in MMA fight

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has shown interest in trying mixed martial arts. He thinks more boxers should move into other combat sports after many MMA fighters switched to boxing, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Joshua, who famously knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a boxing match in 2024, said the rise of crossover fights has made him think about competing with different rules.

"Believe me, I was thinking, why don’t I step over into one of their territories because they keep on coming over our territory," Joshua said in an interview with The Ring.

The British-Nigerian boxer knows that it won't be easy. He pointed out that top MMA and kickboxing fighters are very skilled.

"You are talking about the best in their chosen field. MMA, kickboxing, these aren’t amateurs. These are actually experienced fighters," he said.

He added, "But it would be good if one of us went into that side and we see how we get on over there."

Joshua believes that if a boxer competes seriously in MMA, it would attract a lot of attention, even though top boxers usually have better financial rewards.

"100 per cent. MMA, kickboxing, or boxing. It can be done. I believe it should be done. I think that’ll be the next thing that we want to see," he said.

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist also brushed off claims that past failed attempts by boxers to shift to MMA should stop others from trying.

Reflecting on former boxing champion James Toney’s loss to Randy Couture in UFC in 2010, Joshua said, "I don’t think James was as conditioned as he could have been for that fight."

Joshua recognized that learning grappling, submissions, and other MMA skills would be tough for boxers. He noted, "They know what to do."

While everyone is guessing about a possible MMA fight, Joshua is still focused on boxing. He has a match against Kristian Prenga set for July 25 and fans are excited about a possible fight with Tyson Fury.

The former unified heavyweight champion said he would like to see which boxer will be the first to seriously move into MMA.

"Those guys keep on coming over into our territory. It’ll be interesting to see who the first one will be to cross over into their territory," Joshua said.