Johnny Walker wants to face Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in the boxing ring - if he is able to become a UFC two-weight champion.
UFC contender Walker has been making waves in the light-heavyweight division, having recorded a three-fight winning streak after back-to-back losses against Jamahal Hill and Thiago Santos. Despite making progress at 200lb, the Brazilian star has regularly suggested he could move up to heavyweight to challenge for the belt currently held by MMA legend Jon Jones.
Winning both titles would see him make history after a difficult spell in previous years, and could see him propelled into a spot as one of the biggest names on the roster. And he believes a series of title wins would see him naturally thrust into a position to move over the boxing ring to challenge the likes of Joshua and Fury.
"When I finish my career in the UFC, I want to fight in some boxing events," Walker said during an interview with iFL TV when discussing a potential crossover appearance in the future. "I love boxing and I want to fight some great champions one day. I want to get two belts in the UFC, make my name, [and make] my statement there.
"And when I'm done in the UFC, I'm gonna have the name and respect so I can challenge the big names on this sport of boxing. Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, I want to make history. I do want to fight big heavyweights like this, I wanna make enough to deserve to fight them."
It is an exciting time for Walker to be challenging in this particular UFC division given middleweight champion Alex Pereira will move up to face Jan Blachowicz. The Brazilian could be in line to face his fellow countryman if he picks up a win over the Polish star, but has even called for a shot at the title in a rematch with Hill if he beats new challenger Jiri Prochazka.
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A fight against Fury or Joshua will only be likely if he is able to become champion and exit his contract, with UFC president Dana White unlikely to explore a crossover fight while a deal is tied down. Equally both boxing stars will be unlikely to pursue a fight in the near future, given they are both in pursuit of the world titles.
AJ' has been linked with a fight against ex-UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou, but his promoter Eddie Hearn reveals he currently sees crossover events far from his priority. “I spoke to AJ about the fight,” Hearn told The Mac Life. “He likes it and he gets it, but he’s very focused on his boxing career at the moment.
"And he doesn’t want to derail that to do something a little bit gimmicky. Even though it’s is dangerous, he wants to prepare for Deontay Wilder, and I think he doesn’t feel that Ngannou would prepare him for Deontay Wilder."
