PFL CEO makes Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou prediction

PFL chief executive Peter Murray believes that Francis Ngannou is capable of defeating Anthony Joshua.

Joshua faces Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on March 8, with both heavyweights looking to put themselves in line for a crack at the winner of fight betweenTyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk (May 18, live on DAZN.com).

Ngannou has only fought one professional boxing match-up in his career, against Tyson Fury last year, but his split-decision defeat raised his standing in the sport to earn him the fight with Joshua.

Ngannou has signed a deal with the PFL to compete in MMA after departing the UFC as their heavyweight champion, but the franchise has been supportive of his interim move to another sport.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Murray was clear he thinks Ngannou will be a tough opponent next month.

He said: “Everybody underestimated Francis with Tyson, including Tyson.

“So, I think Francis has been training constantly. He certainly won the crowd and the fan base around the world, and many would say, including me, he won that fight.

“But 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.”

Can he win? “I believe he can,” Murray answered.

“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.”

Live on DAZN: Super Bowl LVIII for just £0.99. Click here for details.