Anthony Joshua Teases MMA or Kickboxing Crossover After 2024 KO of Ngannou
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 4
Anthony Joshua Teases MMA or Kickboxing Crossover After 2024 KO of Ngannou
2 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 4
Summary
Anthony Joshua said he is considering crossing into MMA or kickboxing, arguing that boxers should test themselves in other combat sports after years of MMA fighters moving into boxing.
A name opponent would be essential, he said, framing any switch as “big business” even if an MMA bout would likely not match the purses available in heavyweight boxing.
Joshua’s comments come after he knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March 2024 and after beating influencer boxer Jake Paul.
Recent crossover fights have kept the idea alive: Rico Verhoeven pushed Oleksandr Usyk deep before a controversial Round 11 TKO in 2026, while past boxing-to-UFC moves produced mixed results for Holly Holm and James Toney.