Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has opened the door to a potential move into mixed martial arts, suggesting boxers should start competing in other combat sports after years of watching MMA fighters step into the boxing ring.<\/p>\n
Joshua, who delivered a devastating knockout over ex-UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou in a 2024 boxing match, said the rise of crossover events has sparked his curiosity about fighting under a different set of rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, I\u2019ve been thinking \u2014 why not go into their world? They keep coming into ours,\u201d Joshua told The Ring.<\/p>\n
The British-Nigerian star, however, admitted that making the leap would be no small feat, acknowledging the elite skills of top MMA and kickboxing athletes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re talking about the very best in their own sport. These aren\u2019t rookies \u2014 they\u2019re seasoned, dangerous fighters. But it would be exciting to see one of us go over there and find out how we measure up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joshua argued that a serious boxer transitioning to MMA would draw massive attention, even though boxing traditionally offers bigger paydays.<\/p>\n
\u201cFans love competition. They\u2019d pay to see a top-level boxer test himself against an MMA or kickboxing specialist. You\u2019d have to be smart \u2014 pick the right opponent, the right style. But it can work. I think it\u2019s the next frontier we all want to witness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist brushed off past failures by boxers who tried MMA, including James Toney\u2019s lopsided loss to Randy Couture at UFC 118 in 2010.<\/p>\n
\u201cJames wasn\u2019t in the shape he needed to be for that fight,\u201d Joshua said. He acknowledged that grappling, submissions, and other MMA elements would pose serious problems for pure boxers. \u201cThose guys know exactly what they\u2019re doing in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
For now, Joshua remains focused on boxing, with a July 25 clash against Kristian Prenga on the horizon and a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury still looming large. But he made clear he\u2019ll be watching closely for the first brave boxer to make a real move into the cage.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThey keep crossing over into our sport. It\u2019ll be fascinating to see who\u2019s the first to go into theirs,\u201d Joshua said.<\/p>\n
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