Joshua on Ngannou’s Radar as Boxing Plans Unfold Post-Fury
Francis Ngannou, the formidable UFC fighter turned boxer, is poised for another headline-making bout in Saudi Arabia against former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. Ngannou’s entrance into the boxing scene garnered attention when he faced Tyson Fury, nearly securing a victory. Despite Fury’s eventual triumph, Ngannou’s foray into elite boxing has captivated fans and experts alike.
As he gears up for his second boxing match against Joshua, Ngannou acknowledges that the element of surprise is no longer in his favor. Reflecting on his arrival in Riyadh, Ngannou expresses confidence but recognizes the need to find new strategies to astound his opponent.
Ngannou’s journey into boxing is a return to his first love, as he explains that boxing was his initial passion during a challenging upbringing in Cameroon. The 37-year-old fighter fell out with the UFC, prompting a shift to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), though he has yet to compete in the PFL due to his current focus on boxing. Ngannou aims to pursue both MMA and boxing concurrently.
The upcoming Ngannou-Joshua fight generates anticipation and speculation, particularly regarding Tyson Fury’s readiness for a potential showdown with Joshua, provided he prevails against Oleksandr Usyk in May. The question lingers: was Fury unprepared or underestimated Ngannou in their previous encounter? Ngannou’s boxing prowess will be further tested in the clash with Joshua, a critical bout for both fighters.
Joshua, who regained his place after defeats to Usyk, acknowledges Ngannou’s capabilities, describing him as a “hell of a fighter” with significant strength and boxing skills beyond expectations. The stakes are high, with the winner potentially securing a matchup against Fury, setting the stage for an undisputed heavyweight championship.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, emphasizes the significance of the Ngannou-Joshua bout as a fast track to undisputed status. While there is anticipation for a Joshua-Fury clash, the focus remains on the challenge posed by Ngannou, a fighter who has proven to be a formidable force in both the UFC and now in the world of elite boxing.
