Hearn's Damning Assessment of Ngannou

Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua's promoter, previously dismissed Francis Ngannou's fighting skills, claiming he couldn't even win a regional belt. Hearn went as far as to say that Ngannou would be no match for Southern Area champion Johnny Fisher. This harsh criticism came just before Ngannou's bout with undefeated WBC world champion Tyson Fury.

A Spectacular Screeching U-Turn

However, it seems Hearn has had a change of heart. On Monday, he will unveil the date and details of Joshua's fight against Ngannou in Riyadh. Despite previously doubting Ngannou's abilities, Hearn now sees him as world championship material.

The Saudi Connection

While the Saudis may not be boxing enthusiasts, they are eager to host the Ngannou-Joshua match. The event promises to generate global TV coverage, furthering the Saudi's sportswashing enterprise.

Bright Future for British Boxing

Looking beyond this high-profile fight, British boxing has reason to be optimistic. The country is blessed with talented young fighters like Adam Azim and Hamzah Sheeraz, who are on their way to becoming world-class boxers. Azim is already the European super-lightweight champion, while Sheeraz will face Welshman Liam Williams in his first major test at light-middleweight on February 10.

Moses Itauma: The Future of British Boxing

One name to watch out for is Moses Itauma, a 19-year-old heavyweight with an impressive record of seven wins. With aspirations to beat Mike Tyson's record of becoming the world heavyweight champion at 20 years and 145 days, Itauma could be headlining at York Hall and fighting for his first title, the English heavyweight crown, by late spring.

While Itauma's goal may be ambitious, his talent and resemblance to a young Marlon Brando suggest he could be more than just a contender.