Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou is confirmed for Christmas?!

Francis Ngannou delivered a masterful performance against WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury and is now expected to face more heavyweight opponents.

His impressive performance against boxing's best has earned the respect of heavyweight boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who believes a fight with Anthony Joshua would be a spectacle.

According to yahoo.com, Hearn said: "Let A.J. go in there and end (Fury's) career, please, or Ngannou has earned the right for a big fight. Let A.J. go in and knock Ngannou out inside three rounds."

Hearn may have spoken his wishes into his existence, with a heavyweight boxing showpiece available to take place before Christmas.

Tyson Fury has signed a contract with Oleksandr Usyk to fight him for the undisputed heavyweight title on December 23^rd, but that now looks unlikely.

Fury had been beaten up hard by Ngannou and before the dust settled in Riyadh, Fury's promoter Frank Warren said: "The fight will happen in late January or February." According to thesun.co.uk.

According to espn.com, Fury versus Usyk has been confirmed to happen in February, with the exact date set to be announced next week.

With Saudi boxing still wanting a headline fight for the festive season, their attention has turned to Ngannou and a fight with Anthony Joshua.

Eddie Hearn wants Anthony Joshua to step up the class of his opponents as he fights to regain his championship belts, and a fight before Christmas would be perfect for his preparation.

According to thesun.co.uk, Hearn said: "I know he'd (Joshua) fight him. But he wants to win the world heavyweight title, that's all he wants to do."

"Ideally, it's a path that takes him there. But if the Ngannou fight is massive, my advice would be to take it."

According to si.com, Eddie Hearn predicts that Joshua will beat Ngannou within six rounds. Ngannou's manager, Marquel Martin, has responded to Hearn's claim.

Martin said: "Eddie Hearn, I have a ton of respect for him as a promoter. He does a great job; he thinks that Anthony Joshua can make light work of Francis. Before the Tyson Fury stuff ever came to be about, we were hoping that we got a chance to fight Anthony Joshua."

"I think that's easy work for Francis. I think Anthony Joshua didn't want that, but now, if he's smart, and Eddie's a smart guy, it's like there is something to be said for Africa and those two knowing that AJ is Nigerian, I believe."

The upcoming fight on December 23rd is a high-stakes battle between two formidable opponents.

Who will win in this blockbuster heavyweight fight? Anthony Joshua? Or Francis Ngannou?