Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has expressed interest in testing himself in mixed martial arts, saying he would like to see more boxers cross over into other combat sports after years of MMA fighters making the switch to boxing, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Joshua, who famously knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a boxing bout in 2024, said the growing trend of crossover fights had made him consider competing under a different ruleset.
“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, however, acknowledged the challenge involved, noting that elite MMA and kickboxing fighters are highly skilled athletes in their own right.
“You are talking about the best in their chosen field. MMA, kickboxing, these aren’t amateurs. These are actually experienced fighters.”
But it would be good if one of us went into that side and we see how we get on over there,” he said.
Joshua believes a boxer competing seriously in MMA would generate significant interest despite the financial advantages traditionally enjoyed by top boxers.
“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 added.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist also dismissed suggestions that previous failed attempts by boxers to transition into MMA should discourage others from trying.
Reflecting on former boxing champion James Toney’s defeat 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 admitted that adapting to grappling, submissions, and other aspects of MMA would be difficult for boxers, adding, “They know what to do.”
While speculation over a possible MMA appearance continues, Joshua remains focused on his boxing career, with a bout against Kristian Prenga scheduled for July 25 and a potential showdown with Tyson Fury still generating interest among boxing fans.
The former unified heavyweight champion added that he would be keen to see who becomes the first leading boxer to make a serious 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.
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