Eddie Hearn claimed Francis Ngannou couldn’t even win a regional belt, now he’s about to get him fighting Anthony Joshua

ONE must assume Eddie Hearn has ­forgotten ridiculing Francis Ngannou before the martial arts star fought Tyson Fury.

Hearn was at his most scathing when he said: “There is no way in the world that Francis Ngannou could win even a Southern Area title.

Eddie Hearn may have to eat his words when it comes to Francis NgannouSportsfile

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Ngannou impressed when he shook up Tyson Fury during their bout last year[/caption]

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Anthony Joshua is set to fight Ngannou next[/caption]

“Johnny Fisher is our Southern Area champion. Fisher v Ngannou is a total mismatch. Fisher would have him out of there in a round.”

That was a pretty damning assessment of Ngannou’s credentials as he was about to take on the unbeaten WBC world champion.

But be prepared for Hearn – Anthony Joshua’s promoter – to complete a spectacular screeching U-turn on Monday.

That’s when he will reveal the March date and details of Joshua’s clash with Ngannou in Riyadh.

Hearn has obviously come to the conclusion that Ngannou, after flooring Fury before narrowly losing his only fight under Queensberry rules on October 28, is world championship material.

Three weeks ago Hearn was claiming AJ is the best heavyweight in the world.

It will be fascinating to hear Fast Eddie explain how Ngannou – who he didn’t consider good enough to meet ten-fight novice Fisher – is now worthy to take on the so-called world No 1.

The Saudis aren’t really interested in boxing.

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Liverpool’s Callum Smith challenges Artur Beterbiev for his WBC, IBF and WBO world light-heavyweight titles in Quebec City tomorrow – the Sheikhs probably have never heard of either of them.

But they are happy to throw millions at Ngannou and Joshua because it will generate global TV to further their relentless sportswashing enterprise.

Putting my cynicism to one side, British boxing can look ahead to the next 12 months with optimism because we are blessed with some very talented youngsters.

Two from Asian backgrounds on their way to being world class are Adam Azim and Hamzah Sheeraz.

Azim, 21, is already the European super-lightweight champion.

Sheeraz, 24, will have his first severe test at light-middleweight as he meets tough Welshman Liam Williams on February 10.

But before we sing Auld Lang Syne again, the name Moses Itauma should be on everyone’s lips.

Mighty Moses is only just 19 but the 17-stone plus kid has won all his seven fights.

By late spring I wouldn’t be surprised if Frank Warren’s latest prodigy is headlining at York Hall and fighting for his first title – the English heavyweight crown held by Solomon Dacres.

Itauma’s ambition is to beat Mike Tyson’s record of being world heavyweight champ at 20 years and 145 days.

Realistically, there’s a very slim chance of that  – the lad from Chatham would have to be wearing one of the belts by May 21 next year.

Facially, Moses bears a remarkable resemblance to the young Marlon Brando. There’s every chance he is going to be much more than just a contender.

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Adam Azim is already the European super-lightweight champion.[/caption]

Hamzah Sheeraz has also been impressingRichard Pelham / The Sun

Moses Itauma is a fighter that everyone should be talking aboutRichard Pelham / The Sun