Eddie Hall believes boxing takes away his greatest weapon as a fighter, with the former World’s Strongest Man insisting mixed martial arts is where he feels “most at home.”
After stepping into the boxing ring against Tommy Fury earlier this year, Hall has made no secret of his desire to continue competing in combat sports. But while he remains open to boxing opportunities, he says his long-term ambition lies inside the MMA cage.
Speaking on Fight Your Corner with Tony Bellew and Charlie Parsons, Hall explained why he believes mixed martial arts is far better suited to his strengths.
“I feel like the boxing takes away my best attribute, which is my strength,” he said.
“Whereas in MMA, my best strength is my strength. You get on the floor with somebody, they might be much more highly skilled than you, but sometimes that strength just grab, move out the way, and smash.”
Hall admitted that’s where he feels most comfortable as a competitor.
“That’s where I feel most at home.”
Despite his preference for MMA, Hall insisted he isn’t ruling anything out over the next few years.
“As I say, whatever comes in the next few years, whether it be boxing, MMA, whatever, I’m happy to do both.”
However, he made it clear there is one goal he still wants to achieve before he walks away from fighting.
“My last f*** or bust, I would love to fight for a world title.”
Hall revealed that KSW, one of Europe’s biggest MMA promotions, is firmly on his radar, with reigning heavyweight champion Phil De Fries the man he would like to challenge.
“There’s KSW. I’ve got Phil De Fries, he’s been there, heavyweight champion for I’m going to say like 12 years, maybe more.”
“And we’ve been in talks.”
While KSW represents his immediate target, Hall acknowledged there is another level above that, one which could eventually bring him into the orbit of Francis Ngannou.
Asked whether the former UFC heavyweight champion would be a step too far, Hall admitted he has enormous respect for the Cameroonian.
“I think so.” He added: “He’s not the greatest wrestler. He’s a striker.”
Bellew, however, quickly pointed out Ngannou’s improvements on the ground before describing him as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the sport.
Hall agreed, making it clear he understands exactly what Ngannou is capable of.
“I guess the level up from that would be PFL, would be Francis Ngannou, the likes of that,” Hall said. “It would all have to make sense, wouldn’t it? I think everyone has to have the right number to put their life on the line.”
Even so, Hall believes there is always a chance whenever two heavyweights share a cage.
“I’ve always got that fighter’s chance.”
Featured image credit: Fight Your Corner / YouTube / Misfits Boxing / Dylan Kirkpatrick
